Curious Cityhttp://curiouscity.wbez.org/
Fri, 27 May 2016 22:20:18 +0000Fri, 27 May 2016 22:20:18 +000060enAll rights reservedfeeds@soundcloud.com (SoundCloud Feeds)What do you wonder about Chicago, the region and its people? Pose your question to Curious City and we’ll get investigate together, with answers online, in a weekly podcast, and on WBEZ 91.5 FM. Our website: http://wbez.org/curiouscityWhat do you wonder about Chicago, the region and …Curious Cityfeeds@soundcloud.comCurious Citynohttp://i1.sndcdn.com/avatars-000089594681-03oz7s-original.jpgCurious Cityhttp://curiouscity.wbez.org/
tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/266258300Why a Black Man Lost His Life for Baseball in the Age of the Negro LeaguesFri, 27 May 2016 22:20:18 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/the-death-of-edward-goree-and-black-baseball-in-chicago
00:13:30Curious CitynoSisters seek details about their grandfather’s Chicago baseball team, and his killing by a white police officer in 1925.Sisters seek details about their grandfather’s Ch…Sisters seek details about their grandfather’s Chicago baseball team, and his killing by a white police officer in 1925.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/265121215Escape from Chicago: How Long Would It Take to Evacuate?Fri, 20 May 2016 21:07:23 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/escape-from-chicago
00:12:55Curious CitynoThe city’s cagey on estimates, but suggests you bring your best walking shoes.The city’s cagey on estimates, but suggests you b…The city’s cagey on estimates, but suggests you bring your best walking shoes.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/264028567Mixed Signals: Do Chicago’s Crosswalk Buttons Actually Work?Sat, 14 May 2016 00:18:56 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/mixed-signals-do-chicagos-crosswalk-buttons-actually-work
00:08:56Curious CitynoThe city’s pushing pedestrian-friendly design, but it’s left one consideration at the curb.
The city’s pushing pedestrian-friendly design, bu…The city’s pushing pedestrian-friendly design, but it’s left one consideration at the curb.
tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/262853498Why Chicago BYOBs Like Nobody’s BusinessFri, 06 May 2016 21:58:55 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/why-chicago-is-king-of-the-byob-cities
00:13:00Curious CitynoCombine gangster-era liquor laws with a twist of modern creativity, add a dash of laid-back spirit, and you’ve got a cocktail that makes Chicago the BYOB capital of the country.Combine gangster-era liquor laws with a twist of …Combine gangster-era liquor laws with a twist of modern creativity, add a dash of laid-back spirit, and you’ve got a cocktail that makes Chicago the BYOB capital of the country.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/261528712Chicago’s Killer View: The Skyline’s Toll On Migratory BirdsFri, 29 Apr 2016 17:23:39 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/chicagos-toll-on-migratory-birds
00:08:32Curious CitynoEach migratory season leaves a flurry of birds dead at the feet of skyscrapers. But does that make a dent in the bird population?Each migratory season leaves a flurry of birds de…Each migratory season leaves a flurry of birds dead at the feet of skyscrapers. But does that make a dent in the bird population?tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/260408235Chicago's Tornado-Proof Delusion.Fri, 22 Apr 2016 21:16:08 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/ccseason11episode2-tornado-pod
00:13:37Curious CitynoYes, tornadoes can hit Chicago. Why do so many people think otherwise? Yes, tornadoes can hit Chicago. Why do so many pe…Yes, tornadoes can hit Chicago. Why do so many people think otherwise? tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/259287056Jesse White: A Man of Many PortraitsFri, 15 Apr 2016 20:42:14 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/a-portrait-or-ten-of-secretary-of-state-jesse-white
00:08:33Curious CitynoWhy Illinois DMVs have literally hundreds of portraits of Secretary of State Jesse White.Why Illinois DMVs have literally hundreds of port…Why Illinois DMVs have literally hundreds of portraits of Secretary of State Jesse White.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/258063419Illinois has no budget, so where do state tax dollars go, anyway?Sat, 09 Apr 2016 00:27:24 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/illinois-has-no-budget-so-where-do-state-tax-dollars-go-anyway
00:13:09Curious CitynoJust in time for tax deadlines, here’s how the state spends more than it takes in. It’s worse than you thought. Also, very weird. Just in time for tax deadlines, here’s how the st…Just in time for tax deadlines, here’s how the state spends more than it takes in. It’s worse than you thought. Also, very weird. tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/255081296Little Eddie’s Field Trip: The Union Stock Yards Through the Eyes of an Eighth GraderFri, 25 Mar 2016 23:11:20 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/little-eddies-field-trip-the-union-stock-yards-through-the-eyes-of-an-eighth-grader
00:04:26Curious CitynoBack in the 1940s, Chicago school kids took local field trips that would be unthinkable today. Back in the 1940s, Chicago school kids took local…Back in the 1940s, Chicago school kids took local field trips that would be unthinkable today. tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/252825048Not in Your Front Yard: Why ‘For Sale’ Signs are Banned in Oak ParkFri, 18 Mar 2016 21:02:55 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/not-in-your-front-yard-why-for-sale-signs-are-banned-in-oak-park
00:09:13Curious CitynoThe village insists a decades-old rule to fight blockbusting continues to protect a precious suburban commodity: diversity. The village insists a decades-old rule to fight b…The village insists a decades-old rule to fight blockbusting continues to protect a precious suburban commodity: diversity. tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/251431083Why Does Chicago Have So Many Mattress Stores?Sat, 12 Mar 2016 00:04:49 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/why-does-chicago-have-so-many-mattress-stores
00:08:22Curious CitynoIf this retail mystery is keeping you up at night, here are answers. Plus: Have we hit peak mattress? Warning: More puns ahead!
If this retail mystery is keeping you up at night…If this retail mystery is keeping you up at night, here are answers. Plus: Have we hit peak mattress? Warning: More puns ahead!
tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/250248711Why Don’t Chicago’s New Buildings Look Like its Classics?Fri, 04 Mar 2016 23:14:42 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/why-dont-chicagos-new-buildings-look-like-its-classics
00:13:02Curious CitynoIf everybody agrees that buildings like the Tribune Tower and Wrigley Buildings are beautiful, why don’t we keep building in that style? If everybody agrees that buildings like the Tribu…If everybody agrees that buildings like the Tribune Tower and Wrigley Buildings are beautiful, why don’t we keep building in that style? tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/249047202The rise of Casimir Pulaski Day [Rebroadcast]Fri, 26 Feb 2016 18:33:45 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/the-rise-of-casimir-pulaski-day-rebroadcast
00:12:58Curious CitynoHow Chicago’s Polish community won a Revolutionary War hero a holiday ... in a state he never stepped in. (Rebroadcast)
How Chicago’s Polish community won a Revolutionar…How Chicago’s Polish community won a Revolutionary War hero a holiday ... in a state he never stepped in. (Rebroadcast)
tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/247931388Half Day Road and the Origins of a Semantic Slip-upFri, 19 Feb 2016 23:25:30 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/half-day-road-and-the-origins-of-a-semantic-slip-up
00:13:38Curious CitynoA half day from ... what? Why this suburban myth is not even half true, and why the same mistake was made again 600 miles away.A half day from ... what? Why this suburban myth …A half day from ... what? Why this suburban myth is not even half true, and why the same mistake was made again 600 miles away.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/246755454Icebreakers of the Chicago RiverFri, 12 Feb 2016 21:27:58 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/icebreakers-of-the-chicago-river-how-bubblers-boats-and-brawn-keep-the-city-safe-each-winter
00:04:42Curious CitynoHow bubblers, boats, and brawn keep the city safe each winterHow bubblers, boats, and brawn keep the city safe…How bubblers, boats, and brawn keep the city safe each wintertag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/245647021What happened to Chicago's Rifle Ranges?Fri, 05 Feb 2016 22:18:22 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/what-happened-to-chicagos-rifle-ranges
00:09:05Curious CitynoRifle sport shooting was so popular in the city that even ComEd and schools had competitive teams. Today, there’s not a range in sight.
Rifle sport shooting was so popular in the city t…Rifle sport shooting was so popular in the city that even ComEd and schools had competitive teams. Today, there’s not a range in sight.
tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/244469325Who Tolls the Bells in Chicago?Fri, 29 Jan 2016 21:42:38 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/who-tolls-the-bells-in-chicago
00:12:57Curious CitynoPlenty of area church bells are automated, but some are still hand-rung. Here’s an interactive profile of five, each with its own distinct sound and community. Plenty of area church bells are automated, but so…Plenty of area church bells are automated, but some are still hand-rung. Here’s an interactive profile of five, each with its own distinct sound and community. tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/243318048If You Toured Chicago in 1910, What Would You Do?Sat, 23 Jan 2016 00:57:38 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/if-you-toured-chicago-in-1910-what-would-you-do
00:12:41Curious CitynoAn audio exploration of 1910 Chicago's hottest tourism destinations — from omnibus tours of Lake Shore Drive, an African-American owned theater, and the city's notorious red light district, the Levee. An audio exploration of 1910 Chicago's hottest to…An audio exploration of 1910 Chicago's hottest tourism destinations — from omnibus tours of Lake Shore Drive, an African-American owned theater, and the city's notorious red light district, the Levee. tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/242174562That Time Chicago Sent a Trainload of Snow to FloridaFri, 15 Jan 2016 23:39:47 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/that-time-chicago-sent-a-trainload-of-snow-to-florida
00:09:11Curious CitynoHow one girl’s dream for a snow day came true during the infamous blizzard of 1967.How one girl’s dream for a snow day came true dur…How one girl’s dream for a snow day came true during the infamous blizzard of 1967.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/238545903The Fall of Chicago’s ‘Porkopolis’ and the Rise of Niche MeatMon, 21 Dec 2015 18:49:11 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/the-fall-of-chicagos-porkopolis-and-the-rise-of-niche-meat
00:08:51Curious CitynoThe city was once the nation’s meatpacking powerhouse. What, if anything, is left?
The city was once the nation’s meatpacking powerh…The city was once the nation’s meatpacking powerhouse. What, if anything, is left?
tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/238529701Curious City: The Mystery CollectionMon, 21 Dec 2015 16:48:15 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/curious-city-the-mystery-collection
00:51:26Curious CitynoAnswers to listeners’ questions about the mysterious side of Chicago that lies beyond the soaring skyscrapers and the sheen of the Bean.Answers to listeners’ questions about the mysteri…Answers to listeners’ questions about the mysterious side of Chicago that lies beyond the soaring skyscrapers and the sheen of the Bean.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/237154958Ferry-tale: Could a Chicago-to-Michigan Ferry Return from Extinction?Fri, 11 Dec 2015 22:38:28 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/ferry-tale-could-a-chicago-to-michigan-ferry-return-from-extinction
00:09:33Curious CitynoLake Michigan was once a passenger steamer superhighway. Could a Chicago-to-Michigan route make a comeback?Lake Michigan was once a passenger steamer superh…Lake Michigan was once a passenger steamer superhighway. Could a Chicago-to-Michigan route make a comeback?tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/236123675The Swinging Times of Chicago's Revolving DoorsFri, 04 Dec 2015 23:04:10 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/the-swinging-times-of-chicagos-revolving-doors
00:09:04Curious CitynoThe revolutions and evolutions that made the city a magnet for this seemingly simple device.The revolutions and evolutions that made the city…The revolutions and evolutions that made the city a magnet for this seemingly simple device.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/235025389Chicago's Indie Doughnut ShopsFri, 27 Nov 2015 23:40:56 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/chicagos-indie-doughnut-shops
00:08:41Curious Citynohttp://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/where-have-all-old-school-doughnut-shops-gone-108483http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/where-hav…http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/where-have-all-old-school-doughnut-shops-gone-108483tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/233983511Fare Game: When do CTA Buses Break Even?Fri, 20 Nov 2015 21:26:08 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/fare-game-when-do-cta-buses-break-even
00:12:58Curious CitynoA look at how many riders it takes to make a bus profitable. A look at how many riders it takes to make a bus …A look at how many riders it takes to make a bus profitable. tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/232959185Mold-A-Rama-rama! The secret ingredients of a plastic souvenir empire.Fri, 13 Nov 2015 21:51:10 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/mold-a-rama-rama-the-secret-ingredients-of-plastic-souvenir-empire
00:08:47Curious CitynoHow a Chicago-area family turned cheap plastic souvenirs into a nostalgia empire.How a Chicago-area family turned cheap plastic so…How a Chicago-area family turned cheap plastic souvenirs into a nostalgia empire.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/231906637Blacksmiths: The ‘plastic surgeons’ on Chicago’s payrollFri, 06 Nov 2015 23:05:43 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/blacksmiths-the-plastic-surgeons-on-chicagos-payroll
00:08:28Curious CitynoWhy an ancient trade lives on — at least in name.Why an ancient trade lives on — at least in name.Why an ancient trade lives on — at least in name.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/230843441‘Poland elsewhere’: Why so many Poles came to ChicagoFri, 30 Oct 2015 21:06:14 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/the-chicago-poland-connection
00:13:12Curious CitynoDecades of stories and insights from Polish immigrants who called Chicago ‘home’.Decades of stories and insights from Polish immig…Decades of stories and insights from Polish immigrants who called Chicago ‘home’.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/229793180Can Chicago brag about the size of its Polish population?Fri, 23 Oct 2015 21:42:51 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/who-should-get-the-bragging
00:09:02Curious CitynoA Grabowski team of demographers help us test the city’s claim of having the most Poles outside Poland. A Grabowski team of demographers help us test the…A Grabowski team of demographers help us test the city’s claim of having the most Poles outside Poland. tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/228733914Don’t believe the height! Why Chicago suburb names flat out lie about their elevation.Fri, 16 Oct 2015 22:09:30 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/dont-believe-the-height-why-chicago-suburb-names-flat-out-lie-about-their-elevation
00:12:59Curious CitynoIn the notoriously flat Chicago region, what gives with names like Chicago Heights, Mount Prospect and Park Ridge? In the notoriously flat Chicago region, what give…In the notoriously flat Chicago region, what gives with names like Chicago Heights, Mount Prospect and Park Ridge? tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/227698247Shadow city: How Chicago became the country’s alley capitalFri, 09 Oct 2015 21:25:24 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/shadow-city-how-chicago-became-the-countrys-alley-capital
00:08:30Curious CitynoHow Chicago became the alley capital of the country and why so much of the rest of the region is conspicuously alley-freeHow Chicago became the alley capital of the count…How Chicago became the alley capital of the country and why so much of the rest of the region is conspicuously alley-freetag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/226646327Chicago with - and maybe without - the Great Chicago Fire (Rebroadcast)Fri, 02 Oct 2015 21:34:31 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/ccfirererunseason8episodebonus
00:14:02Curious CitynoThe Great Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed and defined the city for decades. The collective myth is that the blaze brought together Chicago’s rich and poor. We explore how Chicagoans of different classes rebuilt after the disaster. Plus, we invite the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s Jen Masengarb on to consider what the city would look like today, had that fateful fire never ignited. (Image courtesy of the Newberry Library)
Music Beds:
B.Fleischmann - Broken Monitors
Agnes Obel - The Curse
Agnes Obel - Chord Left
Antonion Salieri - La Secchia Rapita
Agnes Obel - Pass Them By
Richard Reed Parry - Interruptions (Heart And Breath Nonet) - IV Miniature 2The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed and defi…The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed and defined the city for decades. The collective myth is that the blaze brought together Chicago’s rich and poor. We explore how Chicagoans of different classes rebuilt after the disaster. Plus, we invite the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s Jen Masengarb on to consider what the city would look like today, had that fateful fire never ignited. (Image courtesy of the Newberry Library)
Music Beds:
B.Fleischmann - Broken Monitors
Agnes Obel - The Curse
Agnes Obel - Chord Left
Antonion Salieri - La Secchia Rapita
Agnes Obel - Pass Them By
Richard Reed Parry - Interruptions (Heart And Breath Nonet) - IV Miniature 2tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/224509505How strictly do Chicago police enforce bike traffic laws?Fri, 18 Sep 2015 22:09:35 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/how-strictly-do-chicago-police-enforce-bike-traffic-laws
00:09:47Curious CitynoJust as the city’s encouraging more biking, it’s handing out more bike tickets. Just as the city’s encouraging more biking, it’s …Just as the city’s encouraging more biking, it’s handing out more bike tickets. tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/223447994The old Wrigley Field scoreboard: Revolutionary or retro?Fri, 11 Sep 2015 22:09:02 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/wrigley-scoreboard-retrograde-or-revolutionary
00:13:29Curious CitynoThe classic scoreboard is a Chicago icon in green and white, but did it change information design forever? (Flickr/Erin English)The classic scoreboard is a Chicago icon in green…The classic scoreboard is a Chicago icon in green and white, but did it change information design forever? (Flickr/Erin English)tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/222386649Nice pipes: The inner workings of Buckingham FountainFri, 04 Sep 2015 20:57:39 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/nice-pipes-the-inner-workings-of-buckingham-fountain
00:09:06Curious CitynoThe lowdown on how the fountain shoots water so high, and why it was built to impress in the first place. The lowdown on how the fountain shoots water so h…The lowdown on how the fountain shoots water so high, and why it was built to impress in the first place. tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/222071911Beyond deep-dish: Exploring Chicago’s other native foodsWed, 02 Sep 2015 20:40:04 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/chi-food
00:13:17Curious CitynoA list of meaty, messy and often obscure city originals that's meant to get you out of your comfort zone.A list of meaty, messy and often obscure city ori…A list of meaty, messy and often obscure city originals that's meant to get you out of your comfort zone.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/221030706Mystery boat: Alone and idle in a waterlogged corner of Chicago.Wed, 26 Aug 2015 20:17:16 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/mystery-boat-alone-and-idle-in-a-waterlogged-corner-of-chicago
00:08:53Curious CitynoThis rusty relic of the Great Lakes shipping industry is too valuable to ditch, but not useful enough to repair. This rusty relic of the Great Lakes shipping indu…This rusty relic of the Great Lakes shipping industry is too valuable to ditch, but not useful enough to repair. tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/220006476Are there fallout shelters left in Chicago?Wed, 19 Aug 2015 21:49:25 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/are-there-any-fallout-shelters-left-in-chicago
00:13:46Curious CitynoThere are plenty, but let’s just say they’re not ready for an apocalypse. There are plenty, but let’s just say they’re not …There are plenty, but let’s just say they’re not ready for an apocalypse. tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/218976634Where are Chicago's poor white neighborhoods?Wed, 12 Aug 2015 22:20:51 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/where-are-chicagos-poor-white-neighborhoods
00:13:24Curious CitynoPoverty touches all races in Chicago, but it’s more visible among blacks and Latinos. Here’s why that happens and why it matters. Poverty touches all races in Chicago, but it’s mo…Poverty touches all races in Chicago, but it’s more visible among blacks and Latinos. Here’s why that happens and why it matters. tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/217958860Shoes on a Wire: Untangling an Urban MythWed, 05 Aug 2015 21:28:15 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/shoes-on-a-wire-untangling-an-urban-myth
00:09:16Curious CitynoFrom teenage mischief to possible drug markets, a search for the real reasons sneakers end up on power lines. From teenage mischief to possible drug markets, a…From teenage mischief to possible drug markets, a search for the real reasons sneakers end up on power lines. tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/216961978Black business' slow flight from BronzevilleThu, 30 Jul 2015 00:37:41 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/black-business-slow-flight-from-bronzeville
00:08:45Curious CitynoIn its heyday the Chicago neighborhood was flush with black-owned businesses. Where did they go? And, did the end of legal segregation play a part? In its heyday the Chicago neighborhood was flush …In its heyday the Chicago neighborhood was flush with black-owned businesses. Where did they go? And, did the end of legal segregation play a part? tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/215903257Star light? Too bright!Wed, 22 Jul 2015 21:11:51 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/star-light-too-bright
00:09:27Curious CitynoChicago’s notorious light pollution hides the stars, but here’s where you have a fighting chance to peek at the heavens.Chicago’s notorious light pollution hides the sta…Chicago’s notorious light pollution hides the stars, but here’s where you have a fighting chance to peek at the heavens.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/214848097Here’s Harold! (the robot edition)Wed, 15 Jul 2015 16:17:07 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/the-harold-washington-bot
00:09:11Curious CitynoThe DuSable Museum says — creepy or not — its Harold Washington robot will teach you a thing or two about the city’s first African-American mayor.The DuSable Museum says — creepy or not — its Har…The DuSable Museum says — creepy or not — its Harold Washington robot will teach you a thing or two about the city’s first African-American mayor.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/213873092Just Another Bull Shark StoryWed, 08 Jul 2015 22:12:23 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/just-another-bull-shark-story
00:09:32Curious CitynoWas a 1955 Lake Michigan shark attack real or just an urban legend? Was a 1955 Lake Michigan shark attack real or jus…Was a 1955 Lake Michigan shark attack real or just an urban legend? tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/212855025What really happens to Chicago’s blue cart recycling?Wed, 01 Jul 2015 21:26:52 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/how-much-of-chicagos-blue-cart-recycling-actually-gets-recycled
00:13:26Curious CitynoThe program is no sham, but a good number of recyclables still head to landfills.The program is no sham, but a good number of recy…The program is no sham, but a good number of recyclables still head to landfills.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/211835465The Bright and Dark Sides of Chicago's Riverview Park (Rebroadcast)Wed, 24 Jun 2015 21:19:09 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/the-bright-and-dark-sides-of-chicagos-riverview-park-rebroadcast
00:09:22Curious CitynoRemembrances of what made Chicago's historic amusement park at once beguiling and creepy. (Rebroadcast from 2013)(Image: Chuck Wlodarcyzk)Remembrances of what made Chicago's historic amus…Remembrances of what made Chicago's historic amusement park at once beguiling and creepy. (Rebroadcast from 2013)(Image: Chuck Wlodarcyzk)tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/210813074In Chicago, eternal rest ain’t so eternalWed, 17 Jun 2015 22:17:57 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/eternal-rest-not-in-chicago
00:09:27Curious CitynoLocal cemeteries are far less permanent than you’d think. Local cemeteries are far less permanent than you’…Local cemeteries are far less permanent than you’d think. tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/209737111When the CTA "L" is your neighbor.Wed, 10 Jun 2015 19:24:08 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/beyond-the-rattle-and-clatter-when-the-cta-l-is-your-neighbor
00:09:08Curious CitynoLiving near the CTA means life in a rattling fishbowl, but some Chicagoans adapt.Living near the CTA means life in a rattling fish…Living near the CTA means life in a rattling fishbowl, but some Chicagoans adapt.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/206463310The guy who made it easy to navigate ChicagoThu, 21 May 2015 00:35:42 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/the-guy-who-made-it-easy-to-navigate-chicago
00:13:22Curious CitynoUnsung urban planning hero Edward Brennan tamed a chaotic 19th-century street-numbering system. Unsung urban planning hero Edward Brennan tamed a…Unsung urban planning hero Edward Brennan tamed a chaotic 19th-century street-numbering system. tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/205355848When were Chicago's public schools good?Wed, 13 May 2015 22:39:46 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/when-were-chicago-public-schools-good
00:13:10Curious CitynoWe start an era-by-era search for the district’s ‘golden age’ and wonder: Could it be right now?We start an era-by-era search for the district’s …We start an era-by-era search for the district’s ‘golden age’ and wonder: Could it be right now?tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/204249224What does the Lincoln Park Zoo do with all its poo?Wed, 06 May 2015 21:28:46 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/what-does-the-lincoln-park-zoo-do-with-all-its-poo
00:08:50Curious CitynoIn this excerpt from our Fecal Matters! live event, experts explain how studying poo can keep zoo animals happy and healthy.
In this excerpt from our Fecal Matters! live even…In this excerpt from our Fecal Matters! live event, experts explain how studying poo can keep zoo animals happy and healthy.
tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/203187587Uptown’s moment as a ‘Hillbilly Heaven’Wed, 29 Apr 2015 22:38:00 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/ccsouthernersseason7episdode13podcast
00:13:24Curious CitynoWhy tens of thousands of white Southern migrants made the North Side neighborhood home, only to leave a short time later. Why tens of thousands of white Southern migrants …Why tens of thousands of white Southern migrants made the North Side neighborhood home, only to leave a short time later. tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/202093663The art and science behind the glow of Chicago’s skylineWed, 22 Apr 2015 22:00:50 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/skylinetk
00:12:48Curious CitynoWhy that tell-tale orange is becoming history, plus whether the city will choose to go darker or light up like Disney World.Why that tell-tale orange is becoming history, pl…Why that tell-tale orange is becoming history, plus whether the city will choose to go darker or light up like Disney World.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/201003191Why apartments are the blind spot in Chicago’s recycling programWed, 15 Apr 2015 23:07:47 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/who-gets-recycling-in-chicago-and-who-doesnt
00:08:42Curious CitynoThe trash piles up while politics, landfill economics and a toothless ordinance hold sway. The trash piles up while politics, landfill econo…The trash piles up while politics, landfill economics and a toothless ordinance hold sway. tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/199910706Drumming for dollars as a Chicago bucket boyWed, 08 Apr 2015 22:36:38 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/drumming-for-dollars-as-a-chicago-bucket-boy
00:13:20Curious CitynoA behind-the-scenes look at getting into (and out of) a tough, short-lived entertainment gig. (Photo: Flickr/lindsaybayley)A behind-the-scenes look at getting into (and out…A behind-the-scenes look at getting into (and out of) a tough, short-lived entertainment gig. (Photo: Flickr/lindsaybayley)tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/198813545The legacy of Michael Jordan in ChicagoWed, 01 Apr 2015 22:00:23 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/the-legacy-of-michael-jordan-in-chicago
00:09:08Curious CitynoThe city rode high when ‘His Airness’ played for the Bulls, but what did he leave behind? (Photo: Associated Press) The city rode high when ‘His Airness’ played for …The city rode high when ‘His Airness’ played for the Bulls, but what did he leave behind? (Photo: Associated Press) tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/197680400When is Chicago-area traffic the worst?Wed, 25 Mar 2015 21:37:15 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/when-is-chicago-area-traffic-the-worst
00:08:56Curious CitynoLet our info about the worst hours, days and seasons for road congestion steer you clear from a traffic-induced personal hell. Let our info about the worst hours, days and seas…Let our info about the worst hours, days and seasons for road congestion steer you clear from a traffic-induced personal hell. tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/196548027What Happens to "Number 2" in the Second CityWed, 18 Mar 2015 21:36:45 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/what-happens-to-number-2-in-the-second-city
00:09:03Curious CitynoA kid-friendly explainer about what happens to the Chicago area’s poop beyond the toilet. A kid-friendly explainer about what happens to th…A kid-friendly explainer about what happens to the Chicago area’s poop beyond the toilet. tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/195414295Chicago’s forgotten Civil War Prison campWed, 11 Mar 2015 22:14:20 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/chicagos-forgotten-civil-war-prison-camp
00:13:32Curious CitynoCamp Douglas’ deadly reputation was swept under the rug but there’s a surprising movement to bring it out of the shadows.Camp Douglas’ deadly reputation was swept under t…Camp Douglas’ deadly reputation was swept under the rug but there’s a surprising movement to bring it out of the shadows.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/194242846Building skyscrapers on Chicago’s swampy soilWed, 04 Mar 2015 20:54:56 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/building-skyscrapers-on-chicagos-swampy-soil
00:09:17Curious CitynoEngineers once compared Chicago’s soggy soil to jelly cake. How did they build a forest of skyscrapers on it?Engineers once compared Chicago’s soggy soil to j…Engineers once compared Chicago’s soggy soil to jelly cake. How did they build a forest of skyscrapers on it?tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/193062437The rise of Casimir Pulaski DayThu, 26 Feb 2015 00:35:18 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/the-rise-of-casimir-pulaski-day
00:13:26Curious CitynoHow Chicago’s Polish community won a Revolutionary War hero a holiday ... in a state he never stepped in.How Chicago’s Polish community won a Revolutionar…How Chicago’s Polish community won a Revolutionary War hero a holiday ... in a state he never stepped in.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/191847077The origins of Chicago’s February electionsWed, 18 Feb 2015 23:59:32 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/no-conspiracy-required-the-true-origins-of-chicagos-february-elections
00:09:01Curious CitynoSure, the timing’s awful for campaigning and voting, but it wasn’t some trick concocted by the Democratic Machine. In fact, it was meant to empower voters. Sure, the timing’s awful for campaigning and voti…Sure, the timing’s awful for campaigning and voting, but it wasn’t some trick concocted by the Democratic Machine. In fact, it was meant to empower voters. tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/190681265Wherefore art thou Romeoville?Thu, 12 Feb 2015 00:23:14 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/wherefore-art-thou-romeoville
00:13:12Curious CitynoIn their past lives, Chicago’s star-crossed suburbs of Romeoville and Joliet were once named Romeo and Juliet. Here are three theories on why that is. In their past lives, Chicago’s star-crossed subur…In their past lives, Chicago’s star-crossed suburbs of Romeoville and Joliet were once named Romeo and Juliet. Here are three theories on why that is. tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/189538357When will Chicago get its next supertall skyscraper?Thu, 05 Feb 2015 00:39:21 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/when-will-chicago-get-its-next-supertall-skyscraper
00:08:55Curious CitynoChicago was once a hotbed of supertall construction before the market exploded in China. Now, after years of a dry spell and more than a couple failed building plans, the city may be the future site of one Chinese developer’s 88-story supertall. But, can egos and economics once again conspire to pull it off? Chicago was once a hotbed of supertall constructi…Chicago was once a hotbed of supertall construction before the market exploded in China. Now, after years of a dry spell and more than a couple failed building plans, the city may be the future site of one Chinese developer’s 88-story supertall. But, can egos and economics once again conspire to pull it off? tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/187353422What do Chicago aldermen actually do?Thu, 22 Jan 2015 19:04:42 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/what-do-aldermen-actually-do
00:09:58Curious CitynoNote: This episode's from 2013, meaning it's an oldie, but a goodie! Just in time for Chicago's February municipal elections, here's a story inspired by a question from Curious Citizen Andrea Lee: What do Chicago aldermen actually do? That is ... what's their actual job, not the one on the law books. Hear an answer from aldermen themselves, with perspective by reporter Alex Keefe.Note: This episode's from 2013, meaning it's an o…Note: This episode's from 2013, meaning it's an oldie, but a goodie! Just in time for Chicago's February municipal elections, here's a story inspired by a question from Curious Citizen Andrea Lee: What do Chicago aldermen actually do? That is ... what's their actual job, not the one on the law books. Hear an answer from aldermen themselves, with perspective by reporter Alex Keefe.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/182895289Weird and wonderful things you might not know about ChicagoTue, 23 Dec 2014 23:59:11 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/weird-and-wonderful-things-you-might-not-know-about-chicago
00:52:40Curious CitynoChicago is more than the sum of it’s hot dogs, pizza, sports, politics and wacky weather. But what else makes Chicago unique? We dig into the Curious City archives to bring you an hour's worth of stories that expand and maybe even upend your view of the city. From forgotten chapters in history to quests to find the highest natural point - we’ve got a lot to talk about. Chicago is more than the sum of it’s hot dogs, pi…Chicago is more than the sum of it’s hot dogs, pizza, sports, politics and wacky weather. But what else makes Chicago unique? We dig into the Curious City archives to bring you an hour's worth of stories that expand and maybe even upend your view of the city. From forgotten chapters in history to quests to find the highest natural point - we’ve got a lot to talk about. tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/181070549WWII German POWs in ChicagoThu, 11 Dec 2014 20:06:30 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/wwii-german-pows-in-chicago
00:18:21Curious CitynoEven history buffs might not know that Chicago was home to several prisoner of war camps during WWII. Curious South Sider Bill Healy's question prompt a few stories about life at these camps. Full story: http://goo.gl/MUNkv7
Music Beds:
B.Fleischmann - Broken Monitors
Nils Frahm - You
Dexter Britain - Shooting Star
Podington Bear -Starling
James Ilgenfritz - Anthony Braxton 103108B2223469D17319
Christian Marclay and Reiner van Houdt plus - Maze Shuffle
Dustin O'Halloran - An Ending, A Beginning
Christian Bjoerklund - Hallon
Colin Stetson - All the days I've missed you
Dustin O'Halloran - Home
Lindstrom and Prins Thomas - Boney M Down Alternative VersionEven history buffs might not know that Chicago wa…Even history buffs might not know that Chicago was home to several prisoner of war camps during WWII. Curious South Sider Bill Healy's question prompt a few stories about life at these camps. Full story: http://goo.gl/MUNkv7
Music Beds:
B.Fleischmann - Broken Monitors
Nils Frahm - You
Dexter Britain - Shooting Star
Podington Bear -Starling
James Ilgenfritz - Anthony Braxton 103108B2223469D17319
Christian Marclay and Reiner van Houdt plus - Maze Shuffle
Dustin O'Halloran - An Ending, A Beginning
Christian Bjoerklund - Hallon
Colin Stetson - All the days I've missed you
Dustin O'Halloran - Home
Lindstrom and Prins Thomas - Boney M Down Alternative Versiontag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/176646453Why so few white kids end up in Chicago Public SchoolsThu, 13 Nov 2014 00:19:57 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/why-so-few-white-kids-end-up-in-chicago-public-schools
00:13:19Curious CitynoToday, just half of Chicago’s white school-aged kids attend the city’s public schools. We unpack why that happens and how it affects the city’s record when it comes to school segregation. Plus, an update our story about truancy officers. Are new recommendations to tackle chronic absenteeism feasible?
Music beds:
B.Fleischmann - Broken Monitors
Tonetraeger - Deuter
Black Moth Super Rainbow - Boatfriend
Tonetraeger - Trains
Booker T. & The MG's - Comin' Home Baby
Arms and Sleepers - Lisbon
Evenings - Still Young
Ratatat - Breaking AwayToday, just half of Chicago’s white school-aged k…Today, just half of Chicago’s white school-aged kids attend the city’s public schools. We unpack why that happens and how it affects the city’s record when it comes to school segregation. Plus, an update our story about truancy officers. Are new recommendations to tackle chronic absenteeism feasible?
Music beds:
B.Fleischmann - Broken Monitors
Tonetraeger - Deuter
Black Moth Super Rainbow - Boatfriend
Tonetraeger - Trains
Booker T. & The MG's - Comin' Home Baby
Arms and Sleepers - Lisbon
Evenings - Still Young
Ratatat - Breaking Awaytag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/175544554Campus police: real deal or rent-a-cops?Wed, 05 Nov 2014 23:29:12 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/campus-police-real-deal-or-rent-a-cops
00:12:40Curious CitynoOur case study: The University of Chicago, where a private force polices 65,000 Chicagoans on and off campus. Plus, whose job is it to clean blood from crime scenes on public streets and parks? (Image: Flickr/Jamie Manley)
Music beds:
B.Fleischmann - Broken Monitors
Harold Faltermeyer - Axel F
Efterklang - Apples
Mantana Roberts, Josh Abrams, Chad Taylor - Sons of Slaves
Ugress - Teacher's Passing
Julia Kent - Gardermoen
Julia Kent - Malpensa
Ugress - Sepia RainbowsOur case study: The University of Chicago, where …Our case study: The University of Chicago, where a private force polices 65,000 Chicagoans on and off campus. Plus, whose job is it to clean blood from crime scenes on public streets and parks? (Image: Flickr/Jamie Manley)
Music beds:
B.Fleischmann - Broken Monitors
Harold Faltermeyer - Axel F
Efterklang - Apples
Mantana Roberts, Josh Abrams, Chad Taylor - Sons of Slaves
Ugress - Teacher's Passing
Julia Kent - Gardermoen
Julia Kent - Malpensa
Ugress - Sepia Rainbowstag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/174477845A pair of Chicago ghost storiesThu, 30 Oct 2014 00:24:53 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/a-pair-of-chicago-ghost-stories
00:13:35Curious CitynoEven if you don’t believe them, you’ll never forget them.
Music beds:
B.Fleischmann - Broken Monitors
The Black Heart Procession - The Waiter no. 2
Bloodrock - DOA 1970 Remastered
The Black Heart Procession - Gently Off the Edge
Let Us Swear It By the Pale Moonlight - composed by Ben M. Jerome, performed by Andrew Edwards
The Black Heart Procession - A Light So Dim
Port City Music - Night Terrors
Ghostbusters - Ray Parker, Jr. Even if you don’t believe them, you’ll never forg…Even if you don’t believe them, you’ll never forget them.
Music beds:
B.Fleischmann - Broken Monitors
The Black Heart Procession - The Waiter no. 2
Bloodrock - DOA 1970 Remastered
The Black Heart Procession - Gently Off the Edge
Let Us Swear It By the Pale Moonlight - composed by Ben M. Jerome, performed by Andrew Edwards
The Black Heart Procession - A Light So Dim
Port City Music - Night Terrors
Ghostbusters - Ray Parker, Jr. tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/173400038Real estate and religion: Chicago’s Seventeenth Church of Christ, ScientistWed, 22 Oct 2014 23:28:43 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/real-estate-and-religion-chicagos-seventeenth-church-of-christ-scientist
00:13:32Curious CitynoHow a hard-to-miss Christian Science church staved off downtown developers and became an architectural icon.
Music beds
B.Fleischmann - Broken Monitors
Tomeka Reid - Imagist Theme
Tomeka Reid - Hairy Shoes (Ed Paschke)
Tomeka Reid - Jizz and Jazz (Ray Yoshida)
Tomeka Reid - Morbid Sunshine by Miner Artist (Jim Falconer)
Special thanks to Tomeka Reid and her music from the movie “Hairy Who and The Chicago Imagists” How a hard-to-miss Christian Science church stave…How a hard-to-miss Christian Science church staved off downtown developers and became an architectural icon.
Music beds
B.Fleischmann - Broken Monitors
Tomeka Reid - Imagist Theme
Tomeka Reid - Hairy Shoes (Ed Paschke)
Tomeka Reid - Jizz and Jazz (Ray Yoshida)
Tomeka Reid - Morbid Sunshine by Miner Artist (Jim Falconer)
Special thanks to Tomeka Reid and her music from the movie “Hairy Who and The Chicago Imagists” tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/172338843Why buses arrive in bunchesWed, 15 Oct 2014 22:49:19 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/why-buses-arrive-in-bunches
00:13:22Curious CitynoWhy despite being on a schedule and using GPS, multiple Chicago Transit Authority buses will show up at the same stop at the same time. We explain the urban physics behind the phenomenon and why the fixes are almost as frustrating as the problem.
Music beds
B.Fleischmann - Broken Monitors
Charles Mingus - Boogie Stop Shuffle
Charles Mingus - Pedal Point Blues
Thelonious Monk - Monk's Dream - Take 8
Charles Mingus - Better Git It in Your SoulWhy despite being on a schedule and using GPS, mu…Why despite being on a schedule and using GPS, multiple Chicago Transit Authority buses will show up at the same stop at the same time. We explain the urban physics behind the phenomenon and why the fixes are almost as frustrating as the problem.
Music beds
B.Fleischmann - Broken Monitors
Charles Mingus - Boogie Stop Shuffle
Charles Mingus - Pedal Point Blues
Thelonious Monk - Monk's Dream - Take 8
Charles Mingus - Better Git It in Your Soultag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/171250855Chicago after (and maybe without) the Great Fire of 1871Wed, 08 Oct 2014 21:29:59 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/chicago-after-and-maybe-without-the-great-fire-of-1871
00:14:24Curious CitynoThe Great Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed and defined the city for decades. The collective myth is that the blaze brought together Chicago’s rich and poor. We explore how Chicagoans of different classes rebuilt after the disaster. Plus, we invite the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s Jen Masengarb on to consider what the city would look like today, had that fateful fire never ignited. (Image courtesy of the Newberry Library)
Music Beds:
B.Fleischmann - Broken Monitors
Agnes Obel - The Curse
Agnes Obel - Chord Left
Antonion Salieri - La Secchia Rapita
Agnes Obel - Pass Them By
Richard Reed Parry - Interruptions (Heart And Breath Nonet) - IV Miniature 2 The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed and defi…The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed and defined the city for decades. The collective myth is that the blaze brought together Chicago’s rich and poor. We explore how Chicagoans of different classes rebuilt after the disaster. Plus, we invite the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s Jen Masengarb on to consider what the city would look like today, had that fateful fire never ignited. (Image courtesy of the Newberry Library)
Music Beds:
B.Fleischmann - Broken Monitors
Agnes Obel - The Curse
Agnes Obel - Chord Left
Antonion Salieri - La Secchia Rapita
Agnes Obel - Pass Them By
Richard Reed Parry - Interruptions (Heart And Breath Nonet) - IV Miniature 2 tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/170234239After the accident: Metra and pedestrian fatalitiesWed, 01 Oct 2014 21:25:43 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/after-the-accident-metra-and-pedestrian-fatalities
00:12:31Curious CitynoWhen Metra trains strike and kill pedestrians, the agency worries about the victim of the incident, but also thousands of passengers sitting on the train. The agency sells commuters on its speed and efficiency, but when it comes to collision investigations, it says its investigations are thorough.
Music Beds
B.Fleischmann - Broken Monitors
Julia Kent - Transportation
Julia Kent - Arlanda
Aphex Twin - aisatsana [102]
Goldmund - Threnody
When Metra trains strike and kill pedestrians, th…When Metra trains strike and kill pedestrians, the agency worries about the victim of the incident, but also thousands of passengers sitting on the train. The agency sells commuters on its speed and efficiency, but when it comes to collision investigations, it says its investigations are thorough.
Music Beds
B.Fleischmann - Broken Monitors
Julia Kent - Transportation
Julia Kent - Arlanda
Aphex Twin - aisatsana [102]
Goldmund - Threnody
tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/169227633A second act for Chicago's Uptown Theater; Iconic eyes on a film festival logoWed, 24 Sep 2014 22:15:03 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/a-second-act-for-chicagos-uptown-theater-iconic-eyes-on-a-film-festival-logo
00:12:46Curious CitynoOnce touted as ‘an acre of seats in a magic city,’ the Uptown Theater, a former grand movie palace, is now looking for ways to restore and fill those seats. A local architecture student has some ideas. Plus we solve the mystery of whose sultry, iconic eyes have been looking back at us on the Chicago International Film Festival’s logo for almost 50 years.
Music Beds
B.Fleischmann - Broken Monitors
Victor Herbert Orchestra - Naughty Marietta
Casino Versus Japan - Aquarium
UT Sounds - 1925 Tchaikovsky
UT Sounds - 1926 Ain't it a Grand
UT Sounds - 1931 Duke Ellington
Bruce Springsteen - Born to Run
Prince - Uptown
The Grateful Dead - Shakedown Street
The Drifters - Saturday Night At The Movies
J.S. Zamecnik - Silent Film MusicOnce touted as ‘an acre of seats in a magic city,…Once touted as ‘an acre of seats in a magic city,’ the Uptown Theater, a former grand movie palace, is now looking for ways to restore and fill those seats. A local architecture student has some ideas. Plus we solve the mystery of whose sultry, iconic eyes have been looking back at us on the Chicago International Film Festival’s logo for almost 50 years.
Music Beds
B.Fleischmann - Broken Monitors
Victor Herbert Orchestra - Naughty Marietta
Casino Versus Japan - Aquarium
UT Sounds - 1925 Tchaikovsky
UT Sounds - 1926 Ain't it a Grand
UT Sounds - 1931 Duke Ellington
Bruce Springsteen - Born to Run
Prince - Uptown
The Grateful Dead - Shakedown Street
The Drifters - Saturday Night At The Movies
J.S. Zamecnik - Silent Film Musictag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/165113924Two neighboring states, one big financial gapThu, 28 Aug 2014 06:02:58 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/two-neighboring-states-one-big
00:13:12Curious CitynoIllinois struggles with debt and unpaid bills, while Indiana is sitting pretty with a surplus topping $2 billion. What’s behind the fiscal gap between these two neighbors? (Graphic: WBEZ/Logan Jaffe)
Music Beds:
B. Fleischmann - Broken Monitors
Danny Elfman - Simpsons Theme Song
Boogie Heights - Simpsons Theme (Jazzy Version
Greenday - Simpsons Theme
Hundred Waters - WonderbloomIllinois struggles with debt and unpaid bills, wh…Illinois struggles with debt and unpaid bills, while Indiana is sitting pretty with a surplus topping $2 billion. What’s behind the fiscal gap between these two neighbors? (Graphic: WBEZ/Logan Jaffe)
Music Beds:
B. Fleischmann - Broken Monitors
Danny Elfman - Simpsons Theme Song
Boogie Heights - Simpsons Theme (Jazzy Version
Greenday - Simpsons Theme
Hundred Waters - Wonderbloomtag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/164044282The tale of two-flats and their flammable fire escapesWed, 20 Aug 2014 23:38:27 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/the-tale-of-two-flats-and-their-flammable-fire-escapes
00:14:06Curious CitynoSkip the skyscraper! The most interesting building in Chicago is tied to its neighborhoods and its working class. And behind these buildings are those curious flammable structures built to help residents escape fires. What? Yes.
Music Beds:
B. Fleischmann - Broken Monitors
Blood Orange - It Is What It Is
Colleen - Geometria del Universo
Beach Boys - Wouldn't it be Nice
Scott Joplin - Lily Queen
Kishi Bashi - This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)
Pickers and Steve Gunn - Old Strange
Yo La Tengo - Center of Gravity
Palmer and Ward - The Band Played OnSkip the skyscraper! The most interesting buildin…Skip the skyscraper! The most interesting building in Chicago is tied to its neighborhoods and its working class. And behind these buildings are those curious flammable structures built to help residents escape fires. What? Yes.
Music Beds:
B. Fleischmann - Broken Monitors
Blood Orange - It Is What It Is
Colleen - Geometria del Universo
Beach Boys - Wouldn't it be Nice
Scott Joplin - Lily Queen
Kishi Bashi - This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)
Pickers and Steve Gunn - Old Strange
Yo La Tengo - Center of Gravity
Palmer and Ward - The Band Played Ontag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/163030116Prohibition-era speakeasies and Chicago’s Cabbage WarWed, 13 Aug 2014 21:48:12 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/prohibition-era-speakeasies
00:13:13Curious CitynoThe faux speakeasy is popping up everywhere these days, but exactly what was the recipe for a smooth, authentic Prohibition-era saloon? Plus, we crack open another alcohol-fueled historical moment and revisit the Cabbage War of 1896. (Photo: University of Chicago archive)
Music Beds
B. Fleischmann - Broken Monitors
The Castle Jazz Band - I've Been Floating Down that Old Green River
Nino Rota - The Godfather Waltz
Bing Crosby - When Dreams Come True
Vunkturi - Cool Cats
Gustav Mahler - Symphony No 1 in D Major Titan III Funeral March
Cheryl Alleyne - Military Snare Drum
John Philip Sousa - Esprit De CorpsThe faux speakeasy is popping up everywhere these…The faux speakeasy is popping up everywhere these days, but exactly what was the recipe for a smooth, authentic Prohibition-era saloon? Plus, we crack open another alcohol-fueled historical moment and revisit the Cabbage War of 1896. (Photo: University of Chicago archive)
Music Beds
B. Fleischmann - Broken Monitors
The Castle Jazz Band - I've Been Floating Down that Old Green River
Nino Rota - The Godfather Waltz
Bing Crosby - When Dreams Come True
Vunkturi - Cool Cats
Gustav Mahler - Symphony No 1 in D Major Titan III Funeral March
Cheryl Alleyne - Military Snare Drum
John Philip Sousa - Esprit De Corpstag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/162010868It’s (finally?) Jane Byrne’s turnWed, 06 Aug 2014 21:11:04 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/its-finally-jane-byrnes-turn
00:13:52Curious CitynoHated, ignored or forgotten, Chicago’s first female mayor is only now getting a memorial in her honor — decades after she left office. What took so long?(Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
Music Beds:
Vitamin String Quartet - Jane Says (cover)
Karaoke Version - Sweet Jane
Karaoke Diamonds - The Logical Song
Lee Morgan - The Sidewinder
Podington Bear - Twombly
Brass Band Cover - She Works Hard For the MoneyHated, ignored or forgotten, Chicago’s first fema…Hated, ignored or forgotten, Chicago’s first female mayor is only now getting a memorial in her honor — decades after she left office. What took so long?(Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
Music Beds:
Vitamin String Quartet - Jane Says (cover)
Karaoke Version - Sweet Jane
Karaoke Diamonds - The Logical Song
Lee Morgan - The Sidewinder
Podington Bear - Twombly
Brass Band Cover - She Works Hard For the Moneytag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/161019975Chicago's bats and biodiversityWed, 30 Jul 2014 22:29:02 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/where-do-chicagos-bats-hang-out
00:14:16Curious CitynoSeveral varieties of furry fliers are likely closer than you think. Given the rampant spread of a deadly bat disease, we’re lucky to find the critters here at all. Learn where in Chicago they call home.
And we also track down the most biodiverse spot in Chicago-proper and learn exactly what lives there. Hint: you might think you're in the Southwest. Illustrations for our bat interactive are by Erik Rodriguez of the Illustrated Press.
Music Beds:
B.Fleischmann - Broken Monitors
The Womb - Low Flying Bats
Arms and Sleepers - Lisbon
Hauschka - Wonder
CFCF - Lamp
Sand - Mountains
Takagi Masakatsu - Guinacridone
Bibio - The Ephemeral Bluebell
Nat Baldwin - Real Fakes
Youth Lagoon - Boatfriend
Takagi Masakatsu - Early Summer
Laszlo - Saintonge
Vulfpeck - Outro
Tomasz Bednarczyk - ShimokitaSeveral varieties of furry fliers are likely clos…Several varieties of furry fliers are likely closer than you think. Given the rampant spread of a deadly bat disease, we’re lucky to find the critters here at all. Learn where in Chicago they call home.
And we also track down the most biodiverse spot in Chicago-proper and learn exactly what lives there. Hint: you might think you're in the Southwest. Illustrations for our bat interactive are by Erik Rodriguez of the Illustrated Press.
Music Beds:
B.Fleischmann - Broken Monitors
The Womb - Low Flying Bats
Arms and Sleepers - Lisbon
Hauschka - Wonder
CFCF - Lamp
Sand - Mountains
Takagi Masakatsu - Guinacridone
Bibio - The Ephemeral Bluebell
Nat Baldwin - Real Fakes
Youth Lagoon - Boatfriend
Takagi Masakatsu - Early Summer
Laszlo - Saintonge
Vulfpeck - Outro
Tomasz Bednarczyk - Shimokitatag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/160012330The birth of a Latino communityWed, 23 Jul 2014 22:58:49 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/the-birth-of-a-community
00:12:22Curious CitynoSwept from their homes on Chicago’s Near West Side, Latinos laid roots in nearby Pilsen and Little Village. Original artwork by the Illustrated Press artist Erik Rodriguez.
Music Beds:
El Chicano - Viva Tirado, Pt. 1
Sones de Mexico Ensemble - La RabiaSwept from their homes on Chicago’s Near West Sid…Swept from their homes on Chicago’s Near West Side, Latinos laid roots in nearby Pilsen and Little Village. Original artwork by the Illustrated Press artist Erik Rodriguez.
Music Beds:
El Chicano - Viva Tirado, Pt. 1
Sones de Mexico Ensemble - La Rabiatag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/158996525Sister cities: Chicago’s international familyWed, 16 Jul 2014 19:28:30 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/sister-cities-chicagos-international-family
00:14:04Curious CitynoChicago’s city-to-city diplomatic network spans from Bogota to Moscow. How do cities make the cut? (Photo via Flickr Daniel X. O'Neil)
Music Beds:
June Chen - Spring River Flower Moon Night
Franciszek Dukla Wiejska Banda - Nikto to Nam Niemo Ze
Youtube - Russia Gypsy Music
Malombo Jazz Makers - Sibathathu
June Chen - Spring River Flower Moon Night
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan - Sanu Ek Pal Chain Na Aawe
German Accordion Orchestra - Schutzenfest
Students of Sullivan HIgh School and Altona Gymnasium - Stand By Me (Steel Drum Cover)
YouTube - Turkish Instrumental Music Collection part 2
Feo Y Sabroso - Wonderful World (Guitar Cover)Chicago’s city-to-city diplomatic network spans f…Chicago’s city-to-city diplomatic network spans from Bogota to Moscow. How do cities make the cut? (Photo via Flickr Daniel X. O'Neil)
Music Beds:
June Chen - Spring River Flower Moon Night
Franciszek Dukla Wiejska Banda - Nikto to Nam Niemo Ze
Youtube - Russia Gypsy Music
Malombo Jazz Makers - Sibathathu
June Chen - Spring River Flower Moon Night
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan - Sanu Ek Pal Chain Na Aawe
German Accordion Orchestra - Schutzenfest
Students of Sullivan HIgh School and Altona Gymnasium - Stand By Me (Steel Drum Cover)
YouTube - Turkish Instrumental Music Collection part 2
Feo Y Sabroso - Wonderful World (Guitar Cover)tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/157991456The Amish at Union Station and the CTA’s friendliest conductorWed, 09 Jul 2014 18:20:09 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/the-amish-at-union-station-and-the-ctas-friendliest-conductor
00:12:36Curious CitynoTrain travel brings together all kinds of people, making for unexpected exchanges. We go looking for our Amish neighbors and explanations for why they’re at Union Station on the regular. And then we *finally* meet the man we feel confident calling “the Chicago Transit Authority’s friendliest conductor ... ever.”
Music Beds:
Black Moth Superrainbow - Colorful Nickels
Little Walter - Evans Shuffle
Jon Brion - CubesTrain travel brings together all kinds of people,…Train travel brings together all kinds of people, making for unexpected exchanges. We go looking for our Amish neighbors and explanations for why they’re at Union Station on the regular. And then we *finally* meet the man we feel confident calling “the Chicago Transit Authority’s friendliest conductor ... ever.”
Music Beds:
Black Moth Superrainbow - Colorful Nickels
Little Walter - Evans Shuffle
Jon Brion - Cubestag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/153918243Chicago’s red “X”: Meaning, myths and limitationsWed, 11 Jun 2014 19:30:07 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/chicagos-red-x-meaning-myths-and-limitations
00:14:51Curious CitynoThe red X signs placed on some of Chicago’s most dangerous vacant buildings are meant to save lives — but is everyone getting the message? The red X signs placed on some of Chicago’s most …The red X signs placed on some of Chicago’s most dangerous vacant buildings are meant to save lives — but is everyone getting the message? tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/152861576What the heck happened to Chicago’s truancy officers?Wed, 04 Jun 2014 23:05:24 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/what-the-heck-happened-to-chicagos-truancy-officers
00:14:00Curious CitynoChicago nixed the budget for truancy officers decades ago, but the truancy problem — and its consequences — persist. Is there a chance officers would hit the streets again?Chicago nixed the budget for truancy officers dec…Chicago nixed the budget for truancy officers decades ago, but the truancy problem — and its consequences — persist. Is there a chance officers would hit the streets again?tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/151751087Old-school phone dialing and Chicago’s water meccaWed, 28 May 2014 23:14:58 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/old-school-phone-dialing-and-chicagos-water-mecca
00:14:06Curious CitynoThere was a time when Chicagoans used numbers, letters and geography skills to dial up friends. Plus, a water well in a forest preserve has true believers pumping away day and night. Is the water tasty? Sure. Medicinal? Hmm ...There was a time when Chicagoans used numbers, le…There was a time when Chicagoans used numbers, letters and geography skills to dial up friends. Plus, a water well in a forest preserve has true believers pumping away day and night. Is the water tasty? Sure. Medicinal? Hmm ...tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/150633976Alder-MAN: Chicago's use of a gender-exclusive termWed, 21 May 2014 20:31:34 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/alder-man-chicagos-use-of-a-gender-exclusive-term
00:15:00Curious CitynoLocal governments across the country are dumping ‘alderman’ for gender-inclusive alternatives. Here's why this particular job title remains a holdout in Chicago and other Illinois cities.Local governments across the country are dumping …Local governments across the country are dumping ‘alderman’ for gender-inclusive alternatives. Here's why this particular job title remains a holdout in Chicago and other Illinois cities.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/149565713Pinball’s hold on Chicago and a tattoo holdoutWed, 14 May 2014 22:11:44 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/pinballs-hold-on-chicago-and-a-tattoo-holdout
00:13:34Curious CitynoWe bring you two stories of industry and artistry. First, how Chicago became the epicenter of all things pinball. Then, how (and why) one lone tattoo shop took care of the entire city’s inking needs for nine years. Roll up your sleeves for this one!
We bring you two stories of industry and artistry…We bring you two stories of industry and artistry. First, how Chicago became the epicenter of all things pinball. Then, how (and why) one lone tattoo shop took care of the entire city’s inking needs for nine years. Roll up your sleeves for this one!
tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/148403096Illinois’ red light on Sunday car salesWed, 07 May 2014 19:52:49 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/illinois-red-light-on-sunday-car-sales
00:13:23Curious CitynoThe state doesn’t mind Sunday drivers. But it doesn’t want Sunday car buyers. Learn why this decades-long debate crosses party lines and where it stands now.The state doesn’t mind Sunday drivers. But it doe…The state doesn’t mind Sunday drivers. But it doesn’t want Sunday car buyers. Learn why this decades-long debate crosses party lines and where it stands now.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/147277419After Haymarket: Anarchism on trial and a city in search of its soulWed, 30 Apr 2014 20:25:31 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/scapegoating-and-soul-searching-after-the-haymarket-bomb
00:13:49Curious CitynoThe 1886 Chicago incident transformed the labor movement across the world, but what happened close to home? Expert historians tell of a post-Haymarket Chicago beset by scapegoating and soul searching. Plus - Chicago’s Grammy winning artist Rhymefest and producer T.L. Williams lay down a new track “Eight Hour Song” that picks up where one of the most popular labor songs of the Haymarket era leaves off. The 1886 Chicago incident transformed the labor m…The 1886 Chicago incident transformed the labor movement across the world, but what happened close to home? Expert historians tell of a post-Haymarket Chicago beset by scapegoating and soul searching. Plus - Chicago’s Grammy winning artist Rhymefest and producer T.L. Williams lay down a new track “Eight Hour Song” that picks up where one of the most popular labor songs of the Haymarket era leaves off. tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/146164257How one South Side neighborhood staved off white flightWed, 23 Apr 2014 22:47:25 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/how-one-south-side-neighborhood-staved-off-white-flight
00:12:59Curious CitynoHow did Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood maintain racial integration while most other South Side neighborhoods experienced white flight? A planning association took on racial fears and realtor lawsuits, and eventually prevailed in integrating its corner of Chicago. How did Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood maintain r…How did Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood maintain racial integration while most other South Side neighborhoods experienced white flight? A planning association took on racial fears and realtor lawsuits, and eventually prevailed in integrating its corner of Chicago. tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/140433257Trash talk and hawk squawksWed, 19 Mar 2014 22:44:40 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/trash-talk-and-hawk-squawks
00:12:39Curious CitynoA concerned citizen witnesses his neighbors toss trash across the alley and wonders whether there are limits to what Chicago city waste haulers will pick up. And an observant resident notices more hawks in her ‘hood. Is it her imagination, or are these birds of prey staging a comeback? Note: the hawk in this image is *not* to scale. It's a composite image from two Creative Commons licensed photos via Flickr by users: "Chickens in the trees" and "like, totally." Yes, those are their usernames.
A concerned citizen witnesses his neighbors toss …A concerned citizen witnesses his neighbors toss trash across the alley and wonders whether there are limits to what Chicago city waste haulers will pick up. And an observant resident notices more hawks in her ‘hood. Is it her imagination, or are these birds of prey staging a comeback? Note: the hawk in this image is *not* to scale. It's a composite image from two Creative Commons licensed photos via Flickr by users: "Chickens in the trees" and "like, totally." Yes, those are their usernames.
tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/139258341Love, guns and Illinois’ (future) governorWed, 12 Mar 2014 20:05:53 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/love-guns-and-illinois-future
00:12:32Curious CitynoIllinois’ next Governor has some serious questions to answer from curious citizens. We pose two questions to the six men who are in the Illinois primary race for Governor. One concerns reversing the newly enacted same-sex marriage law, the other about concealed carry and its impact on gun violence.
(Photo via Flickr by Cherry Cyanide)(Music in this episode by Podington Bear and B. Fleischmann)Illinois’ next Governor has some serious question…Illinois’ next Governor has some serious questions to answer from curious citizens. We pose two questions to the six men who are in the Illinois primary race for Governor. One concerns reversing the newly enacted same-sex marriage law, the other about concealed carry and its impact on gun violence.
(Photo via Flickr by Cherry Cyanide)(Music in this episode by Podington Bear and B. Fleischmann)tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/138124407Risks in eating Lake Michigan fish; road salt runoffWed, 05 Mar 2014 23:44:24 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/risks-in-eating-lake-michigan
00:12:34Curious CitynoLake Michigan served as an industrial dumping ground for decades, and that legacy continues in the bodies of lake fish -- enough that anglers are warned about how many lake fish to eat. What needs to happen before we can fish the lake without worry? Plus, we answer how Chicago-area waterways are affected by all the salt that melts winter snow ... and then goes down the drain. Lake Michigan served as an industrial dumping gro…Lake Michigan served as an industrial dumping ground for decades, and that legacy continues in the bodies of lake fish -- enough that anglers are warned about how many lake fish to eat. What needs to happen before we can fish the lake without worry? Plus, we answer how Chicago-area waterways are affected by all the salt that melts winter snow ... and then goes down the drain. tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/136868066Blue Island’s freedom from Chicago; Freedom Wall banner in ChicagoWed, 26 Feb 2014 16:30:56 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/blue-islands-freedom-from
00:12:52Curious CitynoYou voted, we listened … and then reported. We asked which “stubborn suburb” that resisted annexation from Chicago you wanted to hear a story about: Oak Park, Blue Island or Evanston. The small but mighty Blue Island prevailed, big time. Board our time machine and hear why Blue Island decided it was better to go it alone. Then, we demystify a piece of public art in Chicago that’s stumped passersby for 20 years. What’s the deal behind the black banner on a brick building in the loop with all the (seemingly) random names on it? It’s art, and it’s interesting! You voted, we listened … and then reported. We as…You voted, we listened … and then reported. We asked which “stubborn suburb” that resisted annexation from Chicago you wanted to hear a story about: Oak Park, Blue Island or Evanston. The small but mighty Blue Island prevailed, big time. Board our time machine and hear why Blue Island decided it was better to go it alone. Then, we demystify a piece of public art in Chicago that’s stumped passersby for 20 years. What’s the deal behind the black banner on a brick building in the loop with all the (seemingly) random names on it? It’s art, and it’s interesting! tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/135672786On the road! The mysteries behind radio static and Chicago taxi ticketsWed, 19 Feb 2014 17:24:28 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/on-the-road-the-mysteries
00:12:27Curious CitynoFor this “on the road” edition we explain why a car’s radio reception can falter, even when you’re close to a powerful broadcast antenna. And we dig deep into how often Chicago cabbies get ticketed and why. Is justice served?For this “on the road” edition we explain why a c…For this “on the road” edition we explain why a car’s radio reception can falter, even when you’re close to a powerful broadcast antenna. And we dig deep into how often Chicago cabbies get ticketed and why. Is justice served?tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/134447060Native numbers: How many Chicagoans were born in the city?Wed, 12 Feb 2014 18:04:56 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/native-numbers-how-many
00:12:26Curious CitynoCurious City digs deep to answer one curious citizen’s question about Chicagoans’ roots: How many of them were actually born in the city? Census data lend clues. Then we get insight into the multi-generational experience in the Chicago area - directly from one family whose descendants arrived here in the late 1800s. Editor's note: Representatives of the Ozinga family are profiled in the accompanying podcast episode. At the time of this story's release, the family-owned construction company was not an underwriter of WBEZ's Curious City series, but it became for a short time thereafter. Curious City digs deep to answer one curious citi…Curious City digs deep to answer one curious citizen’s question about Chicagoans’ roots: How many of them were actually born in the city? Census data lend clues. Then we get insight into the multi-generational experience in the Chicago area - directly from one family whose descendants arrived here in the late 1800s. Editor's note: Representatives of the Ozinga family are profiled in the accompanying podcast episode. At the time of this story's release, the family-owned construction company was not an underwriter of WBEZ's Curious City series, but it became for a short time thereafter. tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/133277680How bad is this year’s winter? And the mystery of O’Hare’s ‘missing’ terminalWed, 05 Feb 2014 23:31:27 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/how-bad-is-this-years-winter
00:12:25Curious CitynoCurious City tackles two subjects that often appear together in the news: bad winter weather and O’Hare International Airport. First, we address the question that’s on our minds as we shiver and trudge: Is this winter worse than those in years past? Then we solve a mystery that’s plagued observant O’Hare travelers for decades: Why is there no Terminal 4, while there are Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 5? (Photo via Flickr / Steve Bridger) Curious City tackles two subjects that often appe…Curious City tackles two subjects that often appear together in the news: bad winter weather and O’Hare International Airport. First, we address the question that’s on our minds as we shiver and trudge: Is this winter worse than those in years past? Then we solve a mystery that’s plagued observant O’Hare travelers for decades: Why is there no Terminal 4, while there are Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 5? (Photo via Flickr / Steve Bridger) tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/132056571Smackdowns! Lake Michigan versus the Chicago River, and stubborn suburbsWed, 29 Jan 2014 20:48:16 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/smackdowns-lake-michigan
00:12:25Curious CitynoWBEZ’s Curious City intervenes in a high-minded bar fight between friends who disagree on what’s more important to Chicago: Lake Michigan or the Chicago River. You’ll find out whether our homework (and an assist from Mayor Rahm Emanuel) made either of them budge. And we follow up with another smack down of sorts. Several suburbs stubbornly resisted annexation by Chicago. Top officials from Blue Island, Oak Park and Evanston implore you to choose which resistance story Curious City should tell next. WBEZ’s Curious City intervenes in a high-minded b…WBEZ’s Curious City intervenes in a high-minded bar fight between friends who disagree on what’s more important to Chicago: Lake Michigan or the Chicago River. You’ll find out whether our homework (and an assist from Mayor Rahm Emanuel) made either of them budge. And we follow up with another smack down of sorts. Several suburbs stubbornly resisted annexation by Chicago. Top officials from Blue Island, Oak Park and Evanston implore you to choose which resistance story Curious City should tell next. tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/126196059The Curious City History SpecialMon, 23 Dec 2013 17:59:56 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/the-curious-city-history
00:56:10Curious CitynoWe've assembled our finest stories about Chicago area history aired in 2013. From missiles to donuts, Victorian era sexuality to fraught amusement parks, there's a little something for everyone.
For more on these stories, check out: http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/curious-tales-chicago%E2%80%99s-past-109432
Special thanks to Mickey Capper and Joe DeCeault for mixing help.We've assembled our finest stories about Chicago …We've assembled our finest stories about Chicago area history aired in 2013. From missiles to donuts, Victorian era sexuality to fraught amusement parks, there's <a href="http://www.wbez.org">a little something for everyone. </a>
For more on these stories, check out: http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/curious-tales-chicago%E2%80%99s-past-109432
Special thanks to Mickey Capper and Joe DeCeault for mixing help.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/124167522Could Jane Addams Be Considered A Lesbian?Tue, 10 Dec 2013 16:19:29 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/could-jane-addams-be-1
00:10:19Curious CitynoRecent UIC grad Adam Peterson asked Curious City: "Could Jane Addams be considered a lesbian with the current use of that terminology?"
Jennifer Brandel investigates. If you're looking for a quick 'yes' or 'no' answer, you're out of luck.
Additional resources and the full story here: http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/should-we-use-l-word-jane-addams-108619Recent UIC grad Adam Peterson asked Curious City:…Recent UIC grad Adam Peterson asked Curious City: "Could Jane Addams be considered a lesbian with the current use of that terminology?"
Jennifer Brandel investigates. If you're looking for a quick 'yes' or 'no' answer, you're out of luck.
Additional resources and the full story here: http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/should-we-use-l-word-jane-addams-108619tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/123057494Lincoln Avenue's Motel RowTue, 03 Dec 2013 17:27:47 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/lincoln-avenues-motel-row
00:10:32Curious CitynoNicole Kirkwood from Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood was curious to know: Why were so many motels built on Lincoln Avenue of Foster? How do they stay in business? WBEZ's Logan Jaffe finds motel row's survival is due to a fair share of luck - considering it's weathered tectonic shifts in transportation, the ire of City Hall and its own seedy reputation. Read the full story here: goo.gl/t0htPiNicole Kirkwood from Chicago's Lincoln Square nei…Nicole Kirkwood from Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood was curious to know: Why were so many motels built on Lincoln Avenue of Foster? How do they stay in business? WBEZ's Logan Jaffe finds motel row's survival is due to a fair share of luck - considering it's weathered tectonic shifts in transportation, the ire of City Hall and its own seedy reputation. Read the full story here: goo.gl/t0htPitag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/122003293Chicago's (Flammable) 'Fire Escapes'Tue, 26 Nov 2013 17:09:32 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/chicagos-flammable-fire-1
00:08:37Curious CitynoChicago’s got a rough relationship with fire.
Of course there was the great Chicago Fire of 1871 that destroyed thousands of buildings. And the Iroquois Theater fire of 1903 that killed hundreds of people.
With each incident, the city changed building codes for the better.
But Curious City keeps getting questions about a common wooden structure that looks like a fire hazard, but it’s meant for fire safety.
Former Manhattanite and current University of Chicago student Lee Kuhn asked us about Chicago's ubiquitous wooden back porches: "It seems at first glance, kind of illogical. If this is a fire escape - it’s made out of wood - what’s going on here?"
Curious City's own Jennifer Brandel reports.
Mixed with music by Podington Bear.
Read the full story: http://goo.gl/DF6sYwChicago’s got a rough relationship with fire.
O…Chicago’s got a rough relationship with fire.
Of course there was the great Chicago Fire of 1871 that destroyed thousands of buildings. And the Iroquois Theater fire of 1903 that killed hundreds of people.
With each incident, the city changed building codes for the better.
But Curious City keeps getting questions about a common wooden structure that looks like a fire hazard, but it’s meant for fire safety.
Former Manhattanite and current University of Chicago student Lee Kuhn asked us about Chicago's ubiquitous wooden back porches: "It seems at first glance, kind of illogical. If this is a fire escape - it’s made out of wood - what’s going on here?"
Curious City's own Jennifer Brandel reports.
Mixed with music by Podington Bear.
Read the full story: http://goo.gl/DF6sYwtag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/120917025Is Chicago Ready For Another Supertall Skyscraper?Tue, 19 Nov 2013 19:07:40 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/is-chicago-ready-for-another
00:06:50Curious CitynoSupertall construction in Chicago has sputtered. WBEZ's Chris Bentley looks at whether egos and economics will once again conspire to build something on the scale of the Willis Tower. Full story: http://goo.gl/8Hqq4N
Mixed with music by Podington Bear.
Photo by Wakedog via Flickr.Supertall construction in Chicago has sputtered. …Supertall construction in Chicago has sputtered. WBEZ's Chris Bentley looks at whether egos and economics will once again conspire to build something on the scale of the Willis Tower. Full story: http://goo.gl/8Hqq4N
Mixed with music by Podington Bear.
Photo by Wakedog via Flickr.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/119852195Chicago's Best Indie Doughnut ShopsTue, 12 Nov 2013 23:37:45 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/chicagos-best-indie-doughnut
00:10:11Curious CitynoAn anonymous listener asked Curious City: "Does Chicago have any more privately-owned doughnut shops, and which is the best?"
Reporter Dan Weissman BEGGED to investigate.
Photo by Logan Jaffe.
This podcast is mixed with music by Podington Bear and Burl IvesAn anonymous listener asked Curious City: "Does C…An anonymous listener asked Curious City: "Does Chicago have any more privately-owned doughnut shops, and which is the best?"
Reporter Dan Weissman BEGGED to investigate.
Photo by Logan Jaffe.
This podcast is mixed with music by Podington Bear and Burl Ivestag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/117674644Libraries: Beyond the booksTue, 29 Oct 2013 21:17:08 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/libraries-beyond-the-books
00:06:43Curious CitynoShanlie Ann Stead says she’s had a lifelong love of libraries and, as she recollects it, she personally experienced how far that love could go — straight from a library to her own apartment’s walls. She tells a story of being at the Waukegan library several years ago and noticing stacks of paintings. She says she perked up when a passing librarian said “‘You know, you can check those out.’”
Shanlie took the library up on the offer. She couldn't help but wonder what other treasures area libraries offer up for the check-out. Reporter Tanveer Ali did some digging in the stacks.
For the full story complete with area librarian glamour shots, visit: http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/libraries-beyond-books-108170Shanlie Ann Stead says she’s had a lifelong love …Shanlie Ann Stead says she’s had a lifelong love of libraries and, as she recollects it, she personally experienced how far that love could go — straight from a library to her own apartment’s walls. She tells a story of being at the Waukegan library several years ago and noticing stacks of paintings. She says she perked up when a passing librarian said “‘You know, you can check those out.’”
Shanlie took the library up on the offer. She couldn't help but wonder what other treasures area libraries offer up for the check-out. Reporter Tanveer Ali did some digging in the stacks.
For the full story complete with area librarian glamour shots, visit: http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/libraries-beyond-books-108170tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/116574941The evolution of diner cultureTue, 22 Oct 2013 19:33:43 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/the-evolution-of-diner-culture
00:09:45Curious CitynoRachel Kimura asked us about the history of old diners in the Chicago area.
WBEZ's Jennifer Brandel and Louisa Chu salivated at this assignment. They collected stories about five diners and couldn't help but wonder: How did we get diners in the first place?
WBEZ’s Jennifer Brandel looks at what shaped our diner design, food and culture.
For an interactive online tour of the diners we visited, head to: http://www.wbez.org/blogs/louisa-chu/2013-05/chicago-diners-side-extra-crispy-stories-107167Rachel Kimura asked us about the history of old d…Rachel Kimura asked us about the history of old diners in the Chicago area.
WBEZ's Jennifer Brandel and Louisa Chu salivated at this assignment. They collected stories about five diners and couldn't help but wonder: How did we get diners in the first place?
WBEZ’s Jennifer Brandel looks at what shaped our diner design, food and culture.
For an interactive online tour of the diners we visited, head to: http://www.wbez.org/blogs/louisa-chu/2013-05/chicago-diners-side-extra-crispy-stories-107167tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/115479411Those eyes ... whose are they?Tue, 15 Oct 2013 17:23:00 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/those-eyes-whose-are-they
00:16:14Curious CitynoThe logo for the Chicago International Film Festival takes over the city each October. Those black-lined eyes follow Chicagoans around town from banners on streetlamps to ads in the paper to the silver screens.
Local brewery owner John Laffler couldn't help but wonder: Whose ubiquitous eyes are those on the Chicago International Film Festival posters? Is she single?
Here we get the answer(s) straight from the man who created the logo back in the 1960s.
To see more images of earlier logos and to read the article, head to:
http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/whos-behind-those-eyes-108882The logo for the Chicago International Film Festi…The logo for the Chicago International Film Festival takes over the city each October. Those black-lined eyes follow Chicagoans around town from banners on streetlamps to ads in the paper to the silver screens.
Local brewery owner John Laffler couldn't help but wonder: Whose ubiquitous eyes are those on the Chicago International Film Festival posters? Is she single?
Here we get the answer(s) straight from the man who created the logo back in the 1960s.
To see more images of earlier logos and to read the article, head to:
http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/whos-behind-those-eyes-108882tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/113409444Getting By on $8.25 an hourTue, 01 Oct 2013 21:20:56 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/getting-by-on-8-25-an-hour-1
00:08:57Curious CitynoA WBEZ listener who hustles to make ends meet wants us to think about people who hustle for even less. Through a personal story and facts that give it context, we profile life at Illinois' minimum wage. Full story: http://goo.gl/6YwSSc (photo: WBEZ/Shawn Allee)A WBEZ listener who hustles to make ends meet wan…A WBEZ listener who hustles to make ends meet wants us to think about people who hustle for even less. Through a personal story and facts that give it context, we profile life at Illinois' minimum wage. Full story: http://goo.gl/6YwSSc (photo: WBEZ/Shawn Allee)tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/112229137Are there tunnels under the loop?Tue, 24 Sep 2013 15:23:54 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/are-there-tunnels-under-the
00:09:45Curious CitynoEver wanted to peel back Chicago’s streets and take a peek underground? At the request of one Curious Citizen, we did just that.
Karri DeSelm wanted to know whether there were tunnels under the Loop, and if so, why they were built.
Here, WBEZ’s Robin Amer explores the most interesting of the tunnels.
For a full list of tunnels, and an incredible drawing by Erik Nelson Rodriguez of the Illustrated Press, see the full story on our website: http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/six-tunnels-hidden-under-chicago%E2%80%99s-loop-107791
Image: A snippet of Chicago’s Deep Tunnel. (Erik Nelson Rodriguez/The Illustrated Press)Ever wanted to peel back Chicago’s streets and ta…Ever wanted to peel back Chicago’s streets and take a peek underground? At the request of one Curious Citizen, we did just that.
Karri DeSelm wanted to know whether there were tunnels under the Loop, and if so, why they were built.
Here, WBEZ’s Robin Amer explores the most interesting of the tunnels.
For a full list of tunnels, and an incredible drawing by Erik Nelson Rodriguez of the Illustrated Press, see the full story on our website: http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/six-tunnels-hidden-under-chicago%E2%80%99s-loop-107791
Image: A snippet of Chicago’s Deep Tunnel. (Erik Nelson Rodriguez/The Illustrated Press)tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/110764367Will Pullman Ever Be Revitalized?Tue, 17 Sep 2013 00:00:00 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/will-pullman-ever-be
00:09:39Curious CitynoThe Pullman neighborhood on Chicago's South Side is small, but its history is huge. It was once its own town - the place where industrialist George Pullman built his enormous rail car factory and homes for workers.
Pullman caught worldwide attention for being a model town and later an industrial neighborhood. But lately Pullman has struggled. The major factories left, and there are few jobs or businesses. That situation led a Curious City listener to ask if Pullman will ever be revitalized.
We sent WBEZ’s Alison Cuddy to learn what’s being tried.
For the full story, visit: http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/will-pullman-ever-be-revitalized-107758The Pullman neighborhood on Chicago's South Side …The Pullman neighborhood on Chicago's South Side is small, but its history is huge. It was once its own town - the place where industrialist George Pullman built his enormous rail car factory and homes for workers.
Pullman caught worldwide attention for being a model town and later an industrial neighborhood. But lately Pullman has struggled. The major factories left, and there are few jobs or businesses. That situation led a Curious City listener to ask if Pullman will ever be revitalized.
We sent WBEZ’s Alison Cuddy to learn what’s being tried.
For the full story, visit: http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/will-pullman-ever-be-revitalized-107758tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/109749351Remembering the Chicagoans who lived and died at DunningTue, 10 Sep 2013 18:15:47 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/remembering-the-chicagoans-who
00:10:02Curious CitynoCurious City takes your questions about Chicago, the region, and its people. This time, we got a question about some people who have passed on.
Michael Dotson, who lives on Chicago's far Northwest Side, wanted to know: "What is the history of Dunning, the insane asylum, the people who have died here and the people who are buried and unknown?"
We narrowed Michael's question down to this: "Who exactly ended up at Dunning?"
Freelance reporter Robert Loerzel dug into archives and memories to find out.
This podcast was mixed with music by Podington Bear.Curious City takes your questions about Chicago, …Curious City takes your questions about Chicago, the region, and its people. This time, we got a question about some people who have passed on.
Michael Dotson, who lives on Chicago's far Northwest Side, wanted to know: "What is the history of Dunning, the insane asylum, the people who have died here and the people who are buried and unknown?"
We narrowed Michael's question down to this: "Who exactly ended up at Dunning?"
Freelance reporter Robert Loerzel dug into archives and memories to find out.
This podcast was mixed with music by Podington Bear.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/108693650The Bright and Dark Sides of Chicago's Riverview ParkTue, 03 Sep 2013 19:40:15 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/the-bright-and-dark-sides-of
00:10:15Curious CitynoWhen Ross Brodt moved to Chicago’s Roscoe Village he heard about an old theme park called Riverview. A bar near his house sported a mural of the park’s roller coasters. That got him thinking about the park, and he later sent Curious City a long list of things he’d like to know about Riverview. We compressed that list into this modest question:
What are the origins of Riverview park and why was it torn down?
WBEZ's own Shannon Heffernan brings us the story.
She also put together the sights and sounds of Riverview in a digital tour with the help of Zeega. Check it out: http://zeega.com/87757
Thanks to Chuck Wlodarcyzk for the image of Aladdin's Castle. This podcast was mixed with music by Johnny Ripper.When Ross Brodt moved to Chicago’s Roscoe Village…When Ross Brodt moved to Chicago’s Roscoe Village he heard about an old theme park called Riverview. A bar near his house sported a mural of the park’s roller coasters. That got him thinking about the park, and he later sent Curious City a long list of things he’d like to know about Riverview. We compressed that list into this modest question:
What are the origins of Riverview park and why was it torn down?
WBEZ's own Shannon Heffernan brings us the story.
She also put together the sights and sounds of Riverview in a digital tour with the help of Zeega. Check it out: http://zeega.com/87757
Thanks to Chuck Wlodarcyzk for the image of Aladdin's Castle. This podcast was mixed with music by Johnny Ripper.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/107340661How much money do panhandlers and street performers make?Mon, 26 Aug 2013 18:16:27 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/how-much-money-do-panhandlers
00:10:23Curious CitynoMelissa asked us about wages for street performers and panhandlers and we got her answers. Scientific? No. Revealing? Yes, especially when you consider that we were warned that street musicians in particular might not want to talk money.
For the full story and to see the video, click here: http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/working-change-chicago%E2%80%99s-sidewalks-107567Melissa asked us about wages for street performer…Melissa asked us about wages for street performers and panhandlers and we got her answers. Scientific? No. Revealing? Yes, especially when you consider that we were warned that street musicians in particular might not want to talk money.
For the full story and to see the video, click here: http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/working-change-chicago%E2%80%99s-sidewalks-107567tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/106210402Did a WWII nuclear experiment make the U of C radioactive?Mon, 19 Aug 2013 20:31:58 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/did-a-wwii-nuclear-experiment
00:10:18Curious CitynoThe world’s first controlled nuclear chain reaction took place beneath the University of Chicago. Curious City's Geiger counter couldn’t detect any radiation footprint from the site. (Whew!) However, producer Katie Mingle looked at whether safety was first and foremost as scientists ran the experiment. http://goo.gl/p6pv18 (photo: WBEZ/Logan Jaffe)The world’s first controlled nuclear chain reacti…The world’s first controlled nuclear chain reaction took place beneath the University of Chicago. Curious City's Geiger counter couldn’t detect any radiation footprint from the site. (Whew!) However, producer Katie Mingle looked at whether safety was first and foremost as scientists ran the experiment. http://goo.gl/p6pv18 (photo: WBEZ/Logan Jaffe)tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/105272422The Chicago Accent and the Chicago 'Blaccent'Tue, 13 Aug 2013 18:16:58 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/the-chicago-accent-and-the
00:09:26Curious CitynoCurious City looked at the Chicago accent: http://wbez.is/18NUthB There, we touched on how it relates to African-American English. Just how similar do African-Americans sound across the country? For one commenter, not as close as we’d suggested. Latest: http://wbez.is/ZM2cME (image used with permission of Ashlee Nichols)Curious City looked at the Chicago accent: http:/…Curious City looked at the Chicago accent: http://wbez.is/18NUthB There, we touched on how it relates to African-American English. Just how similar do African-Americans sound across the country? For one commenter, not as close as we’d suggested. Latest: http://wbez.is/ZM2cME (image used with permission of Ashlee Nichols)tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/103266760What's Manufactured in Chicago?Tue, 30 Jul 2013 16:22:22 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/manufactured-in-chicago-2
00:07:08Curious CitynoChicago is a city of big shoulders. A city of industry. A city on the make...that makes stuff.
Those sentiments were crafted last century when we were a beacon of industry.
Jessica Chronister wanted to know: what exactly do we still make here?
She was interested to know what our factories are pumping out.
There's plenty of stuff: The South Side's Ford plant makes cars, mills just over the border in Gary, Indiana churn out steel, and one Chicago neighborhood smells like chocolate for good reason.
We had WBEZ's Susie An look into this. She found a side of local manufacturing that's easy to miss.
B Fleischmann composed the Curious City theme song. Additional music in this episode is by Dustin Wong.Chicago is a city of big shoulders. A city of ind…Chicago is a city of big shoulders. A city of industry. A city on the make...that makes stuff.
Those sentiments were crafted last century when we were a beacon of industry.
Jessica Chronister wanted to know: what exactly do we still make here?
She was interested to know what our factories are pumping out.
There's plenty of stuff: The South Side's Ford plant makes cars, mills just over the border in Gary, Indiana churn out steel, and one Chicago neighborhood smells like chocolate for good reason.
We had WBEZ's Susie An look into this. She found a side of local manufacturing that's easy to miss.
B Fleischmann composed the Curious City theme song. Additional music in this episode is by Dustin Wong.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/103263843Where is the highest point in Chicago?Tue, 30 Jul 2013 16:00:07 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/where-is-the-highest-point-in
00:06:52Curious CitynoMost of the midwest is pretty flat.
Around Chicago, even a slight rise in elevation for a bridge can seem mountainous in relation to the land around it.
Curious listener Elizabeth Silk asked us: "What is the highest point in Chicago?"
She thought it might be a hill in her neighborhood park. Turns out, it's not.
But, we got Molly Adams from WBEZ's sister station Vocalo.org to get to the bottom...well...the top...of that question.
B. Fleischmann composed the Curious City theme song.
Additional music in this episode is by Andrew Howes.Most of the midwest is pretty flat.
Around Chic…Most of the midwest is pretty flat.
Around Chicago, even a slight rise in elevation for a bridge can seem mountainous in relation to the land around it.
Curious listener Elizabeth Silk asked us: "What is the highest point in Chicago?"
She thought it might be a hill in her neighborhood park. Turns out, it's not.
But, we got Molly Adams from WBEZ's sister station Vocalo.org to get to the bottom...well...the top...of that question.
B. Fleischmann composed the Curious City theme song.
Additional music in this episode is by Andrew Howes.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/102460134What Chicago Aldermen Actually DoWed, 24 Jul 2013 21:38:44 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/what-chicago-aldermen-actually
00:11:59Curious CitynoOur podcast is back for season 2!
Chicagoan Andrea Lee had a problem.
When she looked across the street from her condo building in the city’s Noble Square neighborhood, the 35-year-old noticed that her neighbors had something she didn’t: recycling bins.
So Andrea did what many Chicagoans with neighborhood problems do: She called her local alderman, only to learn that aldermanic power (at least when it comes to refuse collection) ain’t what it used to be.
She asked Curious City:
“If these are the city services that are supposed to be tackled by the aldermen, and this isn’t what they’re actually doing, then what are they doing?”
For the full story and to watch a day-in-the-life video, visit: http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/pregnancy-tests-pigeon-poo-what-chicago-aldermen-really-do-107648Our podcast is back for season 2!
Chicagoan Andr…Our podcast is back for season 2!
Chicagoan Andrea Lee had a problem.
When she looked across the street from her condo building in the city’s Noble Square neighborhood, the 35-year-old noticed that her neighbors had something she didn’t: recycling bins.
So Andrea did what many Chicagoans with neighborhood problems do: She called her local alderman, only to learn that aldermanic power (at least when it comes to refuse collection) ain’t what it used to be.
She asked Curious City:
“If these are the city services that are supposed to be tackled by the aldermen, and this isn’t what they’re actually doing, then what are they doing?”
For the full story and to watch a day-in-the-life video, visit: http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/pregnancy-tests-pigeon-poo-what-chicago-aldermen-really-do-107648tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/81397813Why Does Chicago Tap Water Taste Like That?Fri, 01 Mar 2013 21:09:03 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/why-does-chicago-tap-water
00:11:17Curious CitynoWhen Curious Citizen Jaemey Bush turns on her tap, she notices a distinct smell and taste. She wanted to know: what makes Chicago tap water taste like that?
Jennifer Brandel dove into this investigation.
In this episode, Jennifer brings us her findings as well as the results of a tap water taste test.
WBEZ employees sipped water from different neighborhoods in Chicago and surrounding suburbs, and unanimously deemed one water the victor. Tune in to find out where it came from.
Also, hey you guys: this episode wraps up season one of this here Curious City Podcast. We hope you've enjoyed our experimentation in making this. And, we'd love to know what you think about it all. What did you like? What did you dislike? What do you want more or less of? We've made a short survey for you to take over at wbez.org/curiouscity. If you can spare just like 5 minutes to lend us your brain, please do.
Thank you for being a friend.
The music in this episode came from: Christian Bjoerklund, .Tape. and Tiavannagh. When Curious Citizen Jaemey Bush turns on her tap…When Curious Citizen Jaemey Bush turns on her tap, she notices a distinct smell and taste. She wanted to know: what makes Chicago tap water taste like that?
Jennifer Brandel dove into this investigation.
In this episode, Jennifer brings us her findings as well as the results of a tap water taste test.
WBEZ employees sipped water from different neighborhoods in Chicago and surrounding suburbs, and unanimously deemed one water the victor. Tune in to find out where it came from.
Also, hey you guys: this episode wraps up season one of this here Curious City Podcast. We hope you've enjoyed our experimentation in making this. And, we'd love to know what you think about it all. What did you like? What did you dislike? What do you want more or less of? We've made a short survey for you to take over at wbez.org/curiouscity. If you can spare just like 5 minutes to lend us your brain, please do.
Thank you for being a friend.
The music in this episode came from: Christian Bjoerklund, .Tape. and Tiavannagh. tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/80402246Nike Missiles: Chicago's Cold-War Era Supersonic RocketsFri, 22 Feb 2013 21:16:03 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/nike-missiles-chicagos-cold
00:13:18Curious CitynoIan Larkin has a lot of questions about the missile defenses that peppered Chicago and the suburbs in the 1950s and 1960s.
It might surprise most current residents, but the Chicago area once had twenty-two supersonic steel missiles guarding us from enemy planes. Almost all physical evidence of this missile program is gone. Almost.
Jennifer Brandel set out to bring the fascinating legacy of Chicago's Cold War history to light.
This podcast was mixed with music by Lauki and Broke for Free.
For more on this story including maps and more, visit: http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/what-happened-nike-missile-sites-around-chicago-105087
Ian Larkin has a lot of questions about the missi…Ian Larkin has a lot of questions about the missile defenses that peppered Chicago and the suburbs in the 1950s and 1960s.
It might surprise most current residents, but the Chicago area once had twenty-two supersonic steel missiles guarding us from enemy planes. Almost all physical evidence of this missile program is gone. Almost.
Jennifer Brandel set out to bring the fascinating legacy of Chicago's Cold War history to light.
This podcast was mixed with music by Lauki and Broke for Free.
For more on this story including maps and more, visit: http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/what-happened-nike-missile-sites-around-chicago-105087
tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/79444598What's unique to Chicago: in songSat, 16 Feb 2013 00:01:00 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/whats-unique-to-chicago-in
00:23:23Curious CitynoBrenda Guzman asked us, "What can you get in Chicago you can't get anywhere else?" That question led us on a goose chase to find answers, many of which came from you. And rather than stick those in some spreadsheet, we opted to make something out of them: a song.
Local musician Nick Gage wrapped up your suggestions into a song ... or as we like to think, Chicago's new anthem. Brenda Guzman asked us, "What can you get in Chic…Brenda Guzman asked us, "What can you get in Chicago you can't get anywhere else?" That question led us on a goose chase to find answers, many of which came from you. And rather than stick those in some spreadsheet, we opted to make something out of them: a song.
Local musician Nick Gage wrapped up your suggestions into a song ... or as we like to think, Chicago's new anthem. tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/78435173Refugee settlement on Chicago's North SideFri, 08 Feb 2013 22:06:36 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/refugee-settlement-on-chicagos
00:20:37Curious CitynoWhen Lowell Wyse moved to Rogers Park he heard it was the most ethnically diverse neighborhood in the country. It prompted him to wonder if the city plays a role in settling the many international refugees who live there. Turns out the city doesn't have much to do with it. WBEZ's North Side bureau reporter Odette Yousef and Lowell see first hand who settles new refugee families and how it's done.
Here's the full web story:
http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/question-answered-who-settles-refugees-chicagos-north-side-104781
And for the data visualization we mention in the podcast, go here:
http://www.wbez.org/news/numbers-refugees-illinois-105106
Music: Sunny Jain’s Red Baraat Festival.
When Lowell Wyse moved to Rogers Park he heard it…When Lowell Wyse moved to Rogers Park he heard it was the most ethnically diverse neighborhood in the country. It prompted him to wonder if the city plays a role in settling the many international refugees who live there. Turns out the city doesn't have much to do with it. WBEZ's North Side bureau reporter Odette Yousef and Lowell see first hand who settles new refugee families and how it's done.
Here's the full web story:
http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/question-answered-who-settles-refugees-chicagos-north-side-104781
And for the data visualization we mention in the podcast, go here:
http://www.wbez.org/news/numbers-refugees-illinois-105106
Music: Sunny Jain’s Red Baraat Festival.
tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/77455571Chicago's Changing CoastlineFri, 01 Feb 2013 22:12:22 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/chicagos-changing-coastline
00:17:30Curious CitynoChicago resident Miriam Reuter spends a lot of time near the shores of Lake Michigan and wanted to know: How has Chicago's coastline changed over time?
WBEZ's web producer and resident urban planning geek Robin Amer took on this question. You can check out her article (complete with visuals) here:
http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/question-answered-how-has-chicago%E2%80%99s-coastline-changed-over-decades-104328
In this edition of the Curious City podcast, Robin and Jennifer brave the winter weather to put the coastline in perspective and give listeners something extra.
Music in this episode by Daddy_ScrabbleChicago resident Miriam Reuter spends a lot of ti…Chicago resident Miriam Reuter spends a lot of time near the shores of Lake Michigan and wanted to know: How has Chicago's coastline changed over time?
WBEZ's web producer and resident urban planning geek Robin Amer took on this question. You can check out her article (complete with visuals) here:
http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/question-answered-how-has-chicago%E2%80%99s-coastline-changed-over-decades-104328
In this edition of the Curious City podcast, Robin and Jennifer brave the winter weather to put the coastline in perspective and give listeners something extra.
Music in this episode by Daddy_Scrabbletag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/76455743Urban archaeologists: dig itFri, 25 Jan 2013 21:33:57 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/urban-archaeologists-dig-it
00:16:12Curious CitynoWhat the heck is underneath our city? Thanks to urban archaeologists and construction workers, we have *some* ideas. Dr. Linda Rudy was prompted to ask us about this when she spied some old railroad ties being hauled up underneath her street. WBEZ's Susie An finds out what can be known and what's been lost to time.
For more on this story, check out: http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/construction-work-boon-urban-archaeologists-104958
Also: if you want to contribute your memory of Riverview Amusement Park, call 1-888-789-7752. The line will be taking calls for the next week or so. Thanks!
Music in this episode by: Rainbro and DJ JBVicious
What the heck is underneath our city? Thanks to u…What the heck is underneath our city? Thanks to urban archaeologists and construction workers, we have *some* ideas. Dr. Linda Rudy was prompted to ask us about this when she spied some old railroad ties being hauled up underneath her street. WBEZ's Susie An finds out what can be known and what's been lost to time.
For more on this story, check out: http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/construction-work-boon-urban-archaeologists-104958
Also: if you want to contribute your memory of Riverview Amusement Park, call 1-888-789-7752. The line will be taking calls for the next week or so. Thanks!
Music in this episode by: Rainbro and DJ JBVicious
tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/75509358The Chicago accentFri, 18 Jan 2013 23:30:21 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/analyzing-the-chicago-accent
00:22:51Curious CitynoThe Chicago accent may be easy to recognize thanks to the Saturday Night Live Superfans, but it's harder to pinpoint just what makes it distinct. Sarahlynn Pablo asked Curious City where the Chicago accent came from and independent reporter Annie Minoff got her the answers.
You can read that full story here: http://bit.ly/Rh0u1c
We then asked folks to submit their accents so we can analyze what the accent really sounds like. Read that story here and play with the fun visualization: http://bit.ly/TYauLb
This episode goes into analysis of the accent and gives further insight into how this series was created. The Chicago accent may be easy to recognize thank…The Chicago accent may be easy to recognize thanks to the Saturday Night Live Superfans, but it's harder to pinpoint just what makes it distinct. Sarahlynn Pablo asked Curious City where the Chicago accent came from and independent reporter Annie Minoff got her the answers.
You can read that full story here: http://bit.ly/Rh0u1c
We then asked folks to submit their accents so we can analyze what the accent really sounds like. Read that story here and play with the fun visualization: http://bit.ly/TYauLb
This episode goes into analysis of the accent and gives further insight into how this series was created. tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/74523373No pickups on Lake Shore?Fri, 11 Jan 2013 16:23:12 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/pickup-trucks-in-chicago-why
00:18:50Curious CitynoThis was news to a lot of us: pickup trucks aren't technically allowed to drive on Chicago's Lake Shore Drive. Also: they're not allowed to park on some of Chicago's streets. So why did WBEZ reporter Lauren Chooljian count more than 30 pickups on Lake Shore Drive, see a policeman, and no tickets being given? The answer to curious citizen's Jef Johnson's question lies in this podcast. We also brought Lauren in studio to give us some behind-the-scenes insight into how this story came together and some of its complexities.
For more on this story, check out: http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/question-answered-why-ban-pickups-lake-shore-drive-where-can-they-park-104631
And if you're looking to get in touch to talk to us about Nike missile sites around Chicago, email us at: curiouscity@wbez.orgThis was news to a lot of us: pickup trucks aren'…This was news to a lot of us: pickup trucks aren't technically allowed to drive on Chicago's Lake Shore Drive. Also: they're not allowed to park on some of Chicago's streets. So why did WBEZ reporter Lauren Chooljian count more than 30 pickups on Lake Shore Drive, see a policeman, and no tickets being given? The answer to curious citizen's Jef Johnson's question lies in this podcast. We also brought Lauren in studio to give us some behind-the-scenes insight into how this story came together and some of its complexities.
For more on this story, check out: http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/question-answered-why-ban-pickups-lake-shore-drive-where-can-they-park-104631
And if you're looking to get in touch to talk to us about Nike missile sites around Chicago, email us at: curiouscity@wbez.orgtag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/73332342Field Museum's hidden stuffWed, 02 Jan 2013 07:01:04 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/museum-storage-bulls-homes-and
00:15:09Curious CitynoWe continue to serve up answers from our first-ever Curious City trivia bowl, which took place late last month. If you missed it, have no fear; we’ll likely do another one in 2013.
For the trivia bowl we took 10 questions posed by curious citizens. Each was bite-sized in scope; the answers, though, provided plenty to chew on, and we’ve got three of them ready for you. Another bunch includes: how much the city spends on ornamental planting, the location of Chicago’s oldest sidewalk, and why ketchup’s taboo when it comes to Chicago-style hot-dogs.
For videos and photos for this story, check out:
http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/questions-answered-museum-collections-where-bulls-live-and-chicago%E2%80%99s-first-nonWe continue to serve up answers from our first-ev…We continue to serve up answers from our first-ever Curious City trivia bowl, which took place late last month. If you missed it, have no fear; we’ll likely do another one in 2013.
For the trivia bowl we took 10 questions posed by curious citizens. Each was bite-sized in scope; the answers, though, provided plenty to chew on, and we’ve got three of them ready for you. Another bunch includes: how much the city spends on ornamental planting, the location of Chicago’s oldest sidewalk, and why ketchup’s taboo when it comes to Chicago-style hot-dogs.
For videos and photos for this story, check out:
http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/questions-answered-museum-collections-where-bulls-live-and-chicago%E2%80%99s-first-nontag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/71981973Chicago's Most Biodiverse AreaThu, 20 Dec 2012 19:02:32 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/biodiversity_in_chicago
00:09:08Curious CitynoCurious citizen Aaron Durnbaugh had nature on the brain when he asked us this question:
What part of Chicago has the most biodiversity (plant, animal, bird species)?
Maybe it’s no surprise that Aaron often has nature on the brain; after all, he’s the Director of Sustainability at Loyola University Chicago, and he’s spent a lot of time exploring the environmental richness of the region.
“My hunch is that it’s some of the remnant areas we’ve been able to protect. A lot of areas down on the South Side — Beaubien Woods, Powderhorn Prairie. ... That’s my hunch as to where our biodiversity is, but I’d like to get it confirmed,” Aaron told us.
For videos and photos for this story, check out:
http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/question-answered-what-part-chicago-has-most-biodiversity-103725Curious citizen Aaron Durnbaugh had nature on the…Curious citizen Aaron Durnbaugh had nature on the brain when he asked us this question:
What part of Chicago has the most biodiversity (plant, animal, bird species)?
Maybe it’s no surprise that Aaron often has nature on the brain; after all, he’s the Director of Sustainability at Loyola University Chicago, and he’s spent a lot of time exploring the environmental richness of the region.
“My hunch is that it’s some of the remnant areas we’ve been able to protect. A lot of areas down on the South Side — Beaubien Woods, Powderhorn Prairie. ... That’s my hunch as to where our biodiversity is, but I’d like to get it confirmed,” Aaron told us.
For videos and photos for this story, check out:
http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/question-answered-what-part-chicago-has-most-biodiversity-103725tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/71281677How neighborhoods formSat, 15 Dec 2012 00:18:57 +0000https://soundcloud.com/curiouscity/the-neighborhood-edition-how
00:17:04Curious CitynoIn this episode we deconstruct neighborhood boundaries and take a new look at old Chinatown.
Kathy Herwig inspired the first investigation with her question: Who decides when new neighborhoods form and how does it happen?
And Monica Glicken prompted us to look into Chinatown with her question about its origins and whether or not it's still predominantly Chinese.
To see the stories and INTERACTIVE comic associated with this week's podcast, head here:
Neighborhoods: http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/question-answered-how-are-chicago-neighborhoods-formed-103831
Chinatown: http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/question-answered-when-did-chicago%E2%80%99s-chinatown-develop-neighborhood-104125In this episode we deconstruct neighborhood bound…In this episode we deconstruct neighborhood boundaries and take a new look at old Chinatown.
Kathy Herwig inspired the first investigation with her question: Who decides when new neighborhoods form and how does it happen?
And Monica Glicken prompted us to look into Chinatown with her question about its origins and whether or not it's still predominantly Chinese.
To see the stories and INTERACTIVE comic associated with this week's podcast, head here:
Neighborhoods: http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/question-answered-how-are-chicago-neighborhoods-formed-103831
Chinatown: http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/question-answered-when-did-chicago%E2%80%99s-chinatown-develop-neighborhood-104125